Double E Tuning: A Resonant and Powerful Soundscape

The "Double E Tuning" transforms your guitar into a deeply resonant instrument, designed for a full, open sound. As the name suggests, the defining characteristic is the presence of E notes in octaves at the lowest registers. This tuning is particularly effective for creating a massive, droning foundation, lending itself well to styles such as blues, slide guitar, and heavy rock where a strong, rich harmonic base is desired.

Verbal Analysis

The original tuning description highlights a key feature: "the A string is tuned down to E, and you can fret the top three strings like a sus4 chord to get a massive octave sound. For example, 3-3-5 is G, 5-5-7 is A, etc." This suggests a playability designed for powerful chord voicings and strong, clear tonal centers that can be easily shifted up and down the neck. The 'massive octave sound' implies a rich, full-bodied resonance, especially when engaging the lower strings.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning are: E2 E2 D3 G3 B2 E4 (from low to high string).

• Root Foundation: The most striking aspect is the unison E2 on both the 6th and 5th strings, coupled with a high E4 on the 1st string. This creates an incredibly strong and resonant E root, spanning multiple octaves, which is the heart of the "Double E" sound.
• Harmonic Structure: When strummed open, the tuning forms an E Minor 7th chord (E-G-B-D) with a robust, multi-octave E root. The specific notes are E2 (Root), E2 (Root), D3 (Minor 7th), G3 (Minor 3rd), B2 (Perfect 5th), E4 (Octave Root). This inherent chord makes it very easy to play songs in E minor or E major (by slightly bending the G3 or by adding a major 3rd).
• Chordal Opportunities:
  • Open Em7: The tuning naturally provides an open E minor 7th chord, creating a rich harmonic backdrop without any fretting.
  • Movable Em7: By simply barring all six strings at any fret, you can instantly create an E minor 7th shape that moves up the neck. For example, barring at the 1st fret yields Fm7, 3rd fret yields Gm7, and so on.
  • Powerful Octaves & Power Chords: The doubled E2 on the bottom two strings makes for extremely thick and powerful root notes, ideal for heavy riffs and power chords, especially when played with a muted strum.
  • Adaptable Voicings: While the description's specific "3-3-5 sus4" example may require some exploration to fully grasp its musical intent, the general suggestion points to accessible movable shapes on the higher strings. The open G3, B2, E4 provide a strong framework for building various triad and sus chords within the E minor 7th tonality.
• String Tension: The significant drop in pitch for the 5th string (A to E, -5 semitones) and especially the 2nd string (B to B, -12 semitones, an octave down) will result in considerably less string tension. This can make these strings very easy to bend, ideal for slide guitar, but may also require a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and intonation, particularly on the 2nd string, as a full octave drop is substantial.

Overall, the Double E Tuning offers a profound and immersive sound, rich with low-end resonance and harmonic depth, perfect for exploring a powerful and atmospheric musical landscape.

How to Tune to Double E Tuning

Achieving the Double E Tuning involves some significant changes from standard tuning, particularly on the A and B strings. Please tune carefully, and consider using a heavier gauge string for strings with large pitch drops (more than 4 semitones down or up) to maintain optimal playability and intonation.

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains at E2.
• String 5 (A String): Tune down 5 semitones. Carefully lower the pitch of this string from A2 to E2. Note: This is a significant drop of a perfect fourth. While generally manageable, if you frequently use this tuning, a slightly heavier gauge A string might be beneficial for better tension and tone.
• String 4 (D String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains at D3.
• String 3 (G String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains at G3.
• String 2 (B String): Tune down 12 semitones. This is a drastic change; lower the pitch of this string from B3 down a full octave to B2. Warning: A 12-semitone (full octave) drop will drastically reduce string tension. It is strongly advised to use a much heavier gauge string for the 2nd string when using this tuning to prevent intonation issues, buzzing, and potential string breakage if tuned back up quickly.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains at E4.

Always double-check your tuning after all adjustments, as changing one string's tension can affect others. Enjoy exploring the deep resonance of Double E Tuning!