Verbal Analysis

The "Big E (9 String Ostrich)" tuning is exactly what its name implies – every single string, from the lowest to the highest, is tuned to an E note. This creates an incredibly resonant and powerful sound, almost like a massive, continuous drone. It's a tuning that simplifies harmony to its core, allowing for immense sonic textures purely through octave layering. Imagine hitting all nine strings at once; you're not playing a chord in the traditional sense, but rather an E note spanning multiple octaves, from a very deep E0 to a bright E4. This tuning encourages a very percussive, rhythmic, and textural approach to playing. It's perfect for creating huge, open soundscapes, deep drones, or driving rhythmic patterns where the inherent harmonic complexity is removed, leaving only the power of the unison and octave. It lends itself well to experimental music, ambient sound design, or heavy, foundational riffs.

Technical Analysis

The "Big E (9 String Ostrich)" tuning transforms the 9-string guitar into a monophonic E instrument across a staggering five-octave range (E0 to E4).

• Open Strings: All nine open strings resonate as various E notes: E0, E1, E1, E2, E2, E3, E3, E4, E4. This forms an enormous E major power chord if all strings are strummed open. The lack of distinct intervals between strings means traditional chord shapes are entirely redefined.
• Chordal Implications: Since every open string is an E, any single-fret position across all strings will result in a resonant major chord. For example, fretting the 1st fret across all strings yields an F major power chord, the 2nd fret yields an F# major power chord, and so on. This makes barre chords exceptionally potent and easy to execute for creating powerful, monolithic harmonic shifts. Minor chords or more complex voicings would require careful string selection or additional fretting within these barre shapes.
• Melody and Riffing: Melody lines can be played with a very thick, resonant quality due to the octave duplications. Riffing becomes incredibly powerful, as every note played is immediately reinforced by multiple octaves, giving a wall-of-sound effect. This tuning minimizes the need for complex fingerings to achieve a rich sound, emphasizing rhythm and articulation.
• Dynamic Range: The vast octaves available provide a huge dynamic range, from deep, guttural lows to shimmering highs, all centered around the E fundamental.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Big E (9 String Ostrich)" tuning, follow these precise adjustments for each string. Please exercise caution when tuning up multiple semitones, as this increases string tension. For movements exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), consider consulting a luthier or using a different gauge string to prevent potential damage.

• 9th String (Lowest): Tune down 9 semitones to E0. This is a significant drop; ensure your string can handle the slack without buzzing or coming off the bridge.
• 8th String: Tune down 2 semitones to E1.
• 7th String: Tune down 7 semitones to E1. This is a substantial drop; consider a heavier gauge string if it becomes too loose.
• 6th String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E2.
• 5th String: Tune down 5 semitones to E2. This is a considerable drop, advising a thicker gauge string if your current one is too loose.
• 4th String: Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• 3rd String: Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String: Tune up 5 semitones to E4. Tuning up this much can significantly increase tension. A lighter gauge string is strongly advised for this string.
• 1st String (Highest): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.