The "Unison E Octaves" tuning for a 6-string Guitar is an extremely unique and powerful setup where every open string is tuned to the note E, spread across two distinct octaves (E2, E2, E2, E3, E3, E3). This creates an exceptionally resonant, almost drone-like quality, where every strum of the open strings produces a rich, monolithic E chord sound. It's a tuning designed for pure sonic impact rather than traditional chord voicings, offering a vast soundscape for experimental music, slide guitar, or percussive techniques. The consistency of the 'E' note across all strings provides a foundation of perfect consonance, making it ideal for exploring modal playing or creating huge, sustained tones.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Open Tuning Notes: E2 - E2 - E2 - E3 - E3 - E3 (from low E to high E). This is a highly specialized open tuning where all strings are tuned to the note E, creating a layered, resonant sound.
• Key Characteristics: The tuning essentially divides the guitar into two sets of unison E strings: three low E's at the E2 octave, and three higher E's at the E3 octave. This provides a deep, rich foundation with bright, ringing top notes.
• Open Chords & Playability:

  When strummed open, all strings combine to form a massive E power chord. This makes it incredibly easy to achieve a powerful, full sound with minimal effort. While traditional chord shapes are largely rendered unusable, the tuning excels in creating dramatic, resonant textures. Simple one-finger barres across the top three strings (E3, E3, E3) or the bottom three strings (E2, E2, E2) will yield powerful unison harmonies of any desired note. For example, barring all strings at the 5th fret will produce an A power chord (A2, A2, A2, A3, A3, A3), making it excellent for slide guitar. Experimentation with single-note melodies and drones will unlock its true potential, leveraging the sustained resonance of the E notes.

How to Tune "Unison E Octaves"

This section describes how to adjust your guitar from standard EADGBe tuning to achieve the "Unison E Octaves" tuning. Please take note of the semitone changes; significant changes (exceeding 4 semitones up or down) may require different string gauges to maintain optimal tension, avoid breakage, and ensure proper intonation.

• String 6 (Low E - Standard E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is E2.
• String 5 (A - Standard A2): Tune down 5 semitones. The target note is E2. (Note: Tuning A2 down 5 semitones would mathematically result in D2. The specified target note is E2. This indicates a potential discrepancy between the tuning instruction and the desired outcome. If aiming for E2 from A2 by tuning down, it would be a very large drop (A2 to E1 is -17 semitones). If aiming for E2 by tuning up, it would be an increase of 7 semitones from A2, which is a significant tension increase. A lighter gauge string would be strongly advised for an upward tune of this magnitude. Given the instruction to tune DOWN 5 semitones, a heavier gauge string would be appropriate for that direction of tuning.)
• String 4 (D - Standard D3): Tune down 10 semitones. The target note is E2. (Note: Tuning D3 down 10 semitones would mathematically result in F#2. The specified target note is E2. This also suggests a significant discrepancy. To achieve E2 from D3, you would need to tune down 14 semitones. Such a substantial drop will make a standard gauge string extremely loose and difficult to play; a much heavier gauge string is strongly advised for playability and intonation.)
• String 3 (G - Standard G3): Tune down 3 semitones. The target note is E3. (This is a moderate change and generally safe for standard gauge strings.)
• String 2 (B - Standard B3): Tune down 7 semitones. The target note is E3. (This is a substantial drop. For optimal tension and intonation, especially if playing aggressively, a heavier gauge string is advised.)
• String 1 (High E - Standard E4): Tune down 12 semitones. The target note is E3. (This is a full octave drop. A significantly heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain playability, tension, and intonation, as a standard high E string will be extremely slack at this pitch.)

String 6: E2 (Low E)

String 5: E2

String 4: E2

String 3: E3

String 2: E3

String 1: E3 (High E)