The Unwound Ghost Drone tuning is a deeply atmospheric and highly specialized setup for the guitar, famously utilized by the band Unwound for their track "Look a Ghost." As the original description notes, this tuning is quite niche and offers a unique sonic palette.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning plunges most of the guitar's strings well below standard E, creating a dark, resonant, and often dissonant soundscape. The combination of a standard low E string with significantly dropped subsequent strings (especially the second string, which is tuned down a major third) yields a rich harmonic texture that avoids conventional major or minor tonalities. It’s designed to evoke a sense of unease or vastness, perfect for experimental and post-hardcore genres. The repetition of G and D notes across different octaves provides a powerful droning capability, allowing for sustained, ringing chords or open string textures that are both dense and spacious.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to E2 G2 D3 F3 G3 D4. Compared to standard E tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4), this represents a significant overhaul:

• 6th String (Low E): Remains at E2.
• 5th String (A to G): Tuned down a whole step (2 semitones) to G2.
• 4th String (D): Remains at D3.
• 3rd String (G to F): Tuned down a whole step (2 semitones) to F3.
• 2nd String (B to G): Tuned down a major third (4 semitones) to G3.
• 1st String (High E): Tuned down a whole step (2 semitones) to D4.

The resulting open string chord contains the notes E, F, G, and D. This cluster of notes — specifically the E and F, and the G and D — creates an inherently complex and often dissonant foundation. Intervals like the minor second (E-F) and minor seventh (E-D) are prominent, contributing to a tension-filled sound. The paired octaves of G and D strings (G2-G3 and D3-D4) provide significant harmonic resonance and sustain, making it ideal for drone-based compositions. This isn't a simple open chord tuning; it's a specific harmonic configuration designed for textural and dissonant exploration.

Open Chords and Accessibility

Due to the unconventional intervals, standard chord shapes will be re-voiced dramatically or become unusable. However, this tuning excels at:

• Drone Textures: The repeated G and D notes across octaves facilitate powerful, resonant drones, particularly D-centric or G-centric open voicings.
• Minor and Power Chords: The presence of minor third intervals (E-G, D-F) and perfect fifths (G-D) means that simple two-finger or barred power chords and minor shapes can be easily discovered, albeit with unique qualities due to the surrounding dissonances.
• Unique Voicings: Players will find themselves exploring new chord shapes that leverage the specific dissonances and consonances of the open strings, leading to signature sounds rather than traditional harmony. This tuning encourages a creative approach to fretboard navigation, focusing on intervals and clusters rather than pre-defined chord forms.

Here are the notes for each string in this unique tuning:

• 6th String (Low E): E2
• 5th String (A): G2
• 4th String (D): D3
• 3rd String (G): F3
• 2nd String (B): G3
• 1st String (High E): D4

How to Tune Your Guitar to Unwound Ghost Drone

To achieve the Unwound Ghost Drone tuning, follow these precise string adjustments from standard E tuning:

• 6th String (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A2): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G3): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• 2nd String (B3): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. If you plan to use this tuning frequently, consider using a heavier gauge string for the 2nd string to maintain proper tension and tone.
• 1st String (E4): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Always tune slowly and check your intonation after making significant changes to ensure optimal playability and sound.