The E Drone Resonator tuning transforms your Guitar into a powerful sonic landscape, ideal for creating deep, resonant soundscapes and heavy, sustained riffs. As described, this is a distinct drone tuning that primarily features the tonic (E) and its perfect fourth (A). This configuration creates an incredibly rich and full sound when strummed open, making it perfect for ambient music, experimental textures, or crushing power chord work. Its inherent resonance also pairs beautifully with a capo, allowing you to easily shift the drone to different keys while maintaining its unique character.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are E2 E2 E3 E3 A3 E4. This arrangement presents a stacked E drone across the lower four strings, followed by an A (the perfect fourth above E) and then another E an octave higher. Specifically:

• The two lowest strings are tuned to E2, providing a deep, foundational bass.
• Strings 4 and 3 are both tuned to E3, reinforcing the tonic an octave higher.
• String 2 is tuned to A3, introducing the perfect fourth and adding harmonic depth to the drone.
• The highest string is tuned to E4, completing the sound with a bright, high octave tonic.

This results in an open sound that is essentially a powerful E drone with an added A, giving it an E sus4 or E power chord feel, but with an overwhelming sense of low-end resonance due to the multiple E notes across different octaves. It removes the typical major/minor third, leaving a raw, open sound.

Playing Style & Chords

Traditional chord shapes will mostly be out of reach or sound unconventional in this tuning. However, the true strength lies in the open string sound, which acts as a colossal E chord. This makes it incredibly effective for:

• Drone & Ambient Music: Simply strumming the open strings or using a slide across them will create lush, sustained textures.
• Riffing: Power chords on the lower E strings (6, 5, 4, 3) will sound incredibly thick. Experiment with two-finger shapes on the A and high E strings to create simple, effective melodic or harmonic ideas over the drone.
• Slide Guitar: The open E notes lend themselves perfectly to slide playing, allowing for fluid glissandos and melodic lines over the constant drone.
• Capo Usage: Placing a capo at various frets will transpose the entire drone, allowing you to easily experiment with different keys while retaining the tuning's unique sonic signature. For example, a capo at the 2nd fret would give you an F# drone.

How to Tune

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at E2.
• String 5 (A string): Tune down 5 semitones. This string moves from A2 down to E2.
• String 4 (D string): Tune up 2 semitones. This string moves from D3 up to E3.
• String 3 (G string): Tune down 3 semitones. This string moves from G3 down to E3.
• String 2 (B string): Tune down 2 semitones. This string moves from B3 down to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at E4.

Important Note: The 5th string requires tuning down by 5 semitones. For any string movement exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), it is generally advised to consider using a different gauge string to ensure proper string tension and to prevent potential damage to your guitar or strings.

String 6: E2

String 5: E2

String 4: E3

String 3: E3

String 2: A3

String 1: E4