Tuning Analysis: E E E E G# C# (Lochness)

This unique guitar tuning, drawing inspiration from Julie's song 'Lochness,' presents a deeply resonant and somewhat ethereal soundscape. It's built upon a foundation of stacked E notes, providing a powerful drone, while the higher strings introduce a distinct harmonic flavor.

Verbal Analysis:

The 'E E E E G# C#' tuning offers a vast, open sound due to the multiple low E strings. This creates a rich, sustained drone effect, making it ideal for atmospheric pieces, slow melodic lines, or rhythmic patterns that benefit from a deep, unchanging root. The presence of G# and C# on the higher strings adds brightness and a clear major tonality to this drone, suggesting a contemplative or perhaps even mysterious mood. It's a tuning that encourages experimentation with open string resonance and less conventional chord shapes, moving away from standard voicings towards more textural playing.

Technical Analysis:

• Open String Notes: E2, E2, E3, E3, G#4, C#5 (from low to high)
• Intervals (from low to high):
  • String 6 to String 5: Unison (E2 to E2)
  • String 5 to String 4: Octave (E2 to E3)
  • String 4 to String 3: Unison (E3 to E3)
  • String 3 to String 2: Major Tenth (E3 to G#4 - an octave and a major third)
  • String 2 to String 1: Perfect Fourth (G#4 to C#5)
• The open strings collectively form the notes E, G#, and C#. This is an E major triad with an added 6th (Emaj6). Alternatively, it can be viewed as the notes of a C# minor triad (C#-E-G#) played over an E root, implying a C# minor 7 (without the B) or an Emaj6.
• The unison and octave Es on the lower strings create a very stable and resonant foundation, acting as a powerful low drone or root.

Chordal and Playing Possibilities:

The inherent Emaj6 chord in the open tuning makes it immediately melodic and consonant. Simple finger positions or partial barres can create rich, full chords:

• Open Chord: Emaj6 (E, G#, C#) rings out beautifully.
• Drone Chords: The four low E strings provide an excellent base for experimenting with drone chords. By fretting only the G# and C# strings, you can explore various harmonies over the sustained E.
• Major & Minor Tonality: The G# on the second string strongly leans towards E major. Fretting the C# string up or down a semitone can quickly shift between E major, E minor, or other modal colors.
• Unique Voicings: Standard chord shapes will be drastically altered. For instance, a simple two-finger chord on the G# and C# strings will produce unique major or minor third intervals in relation to the open E drone.
• Melodic Opportunities: The distinct intervals between the higher strings (M10, P4) offer interesting melodic pathways, especially when combined with the open E drone.

Open String Notes:

• String 6 (Low E): E2
• String 5 (A): E2
• String 4 (D): E3
• String 3 (G): E3
• String 2 (B): G#4
• String 1 (High E): C#5

How to Tune:

To achieve the 'E E E E G# C#' tuning, follow these instructions for each string:

• String 6 (Low E): For the 6th string (Low E), which is typically tuned to E2, tune it to E2. This string requires no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A): For the 5th string (A), which is typically tuned to A2, tune it to E2. This involves tuning down 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string may be advisable to maintain proper tension and tone.
• String 4 (D): For the 4th string (D), which is typically tuned to D3, tune it to E3. This involves tuning up 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G): For the 3rd string (G), which is typically tuned to G3, tune it to E3. This involves tuning down 3 semitones.
• String 2 (B): For the 2nd string (B), which is typically tuned to B3, tune it to G#4. This involves tuning down 3 semitones.
• String 1 (High E): For the 1st string (High E), which is typically tuned to E4, tune it to C#5. This involves tuning down 3 semitones.