The EGDGED Tuning is a distinctive alternate tuning for the Guitar, famously associated with experimental rock pioneer Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth. This tuning is far from standard, offering a unique sonic landscape characterized by open, droning qualities and rich harmonic interplay, perfectly suiting the band's avant-garde approach.

Technically, the tuning reveals a fascinating structure: E2-G2-D3-G3-E3-D4. An immediate observation is the repetition of E, G, and D across different octaves. Specifically, we have an E octave (E2 on the 6th string, E3 on the 2nd string), a G octave (G2 on the 5th string, G3 on the 3rd string), and a D octave (D3 on the 4th string, D4 on the 1st string). This creates immense resonance and sustain, allowing for deep, ringing textures and a broad harmonic spread across the fretboard.

The open strings themselves form a rich, if unconventional, chord. The lowest three strings (E2, G2, D3) hint at an Em (E minor) arpeggio, with the D note acting as the 7th or a suspended 4th over the E root. The full open tuning, E-G-D-G-E-D, can be interpreted as an Em7 chord (E-G-B-D) with the B omitted and the D doubled, or even an Em7sus4 if considering the G as the third, and D as a suspended 4th relative to A (if it were A minor). More simply, it forms an E minor chord with an added D, providing a dark, open, and slightly dissonant flavour. The presence of three distinct octaves and intervals like perfect fifths (G2-D3) and perfect fourths (D3-G3) ensures a strong, resonant foundation, while the unusual arrangement encourages players to explore outside conventional chord shapes, making it ideal for drone-based playing, open string harmonics, and textural experimentation.

Here are the specific notes for each string in the EGDGED tuning:

• 6th String (Low E): E2
• 5th String (A): G2
• 4th String (D): D3
• 3rd String (G): G3
• 2nd String (B): E3
• 1st String (High E): D4

How to Tune to EGDGED:

To achieve the EGDGED tuning from standard E Standard (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these steps carefully:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A to G2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 7 semitones from B to E3. Please note: Tuning down 7 semitones (a perfect fifth) is a significant drop in tension. For optimal performance and to prevent string floppiness, a heavier gauge string than standard is strongly advised for this string.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D4.