The FGCGBE Open Drone tuning is a unique and resonant alternative to standard guitar tuning, offering a rich harmonic landscape and a distinctive sonic character. This tuning features a wide array of intervals across its strings, creating opportunities for both lush, open chords and droning melodic textures.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning evokes a sense of expansive, open space, reminiscent of folk, ambient, or even experimental musical styles. The low F and G strings provide a deep, somewhat moody foundation, while the upper strings resolve into a beautiful, ringing quality. The presence of the open C-G-B-E on the four highest strings suggests a strong C Major 7th tonality, which can sound sophisticated and jazzy, or simply rich and full for accompaniment. It's an excellent tuning for exploring sustained notes and creating atmospheric soundscapes, making it ideal for fingerstyle playing or slide guitar where the open strings can resonate freely.

Technical Analysis

The tuning's structure is as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): Tuned up to F2
• String 5 (A): Tuned down to G2
• String 4 (D): Tuned down to C3
• String 3 (G): Remains G3
• String 2 (B): Remains B3
• String 1 (High E): Remains E4

Analyzing the intervals between adjacent strings:

• F2 to G2: Major 2nd
• G2 to C3: Perfect 4th
• C3 to G3: Perfect 5th
• G3 to B3: Major 3rd
• B3 to E4: Perfect 4th

The most striking feature is the C3-G3-B3-E4 sequence on the middle four strings (4, 3, 2, 1), which forms a clear C Major 7th arpeggio (C-G-B-E). This makes an open Cmaj7 chord readily available, providing a rich harmonic foundation without fretting. The Perfect 5th between strings 4 and 3 (C3-G3) is also a powerful interval, lending itself to strong power chords or melodic drones. The low F2 and G2 create an interesting tension and release, especially when played against the Cmaj7 upper structure. This open Cmaj7 is a significant feature, and sliding a barre up the neck will yield other major 7th voicings.

Chordal Possibilities

With this tuning, several chord voicings are easily accessible:

• Open Cmaj7: By simply strumming strings 4, 3, 2, and 1 (C3-G3-B3-E4), you get a beautiful, ringing C Major 7th chord. Including the G2 (string 5) creates a Cmaj7/G voicing, adding even more depth.
• C5 Power Chord: Strings 4 and 3 (C3-G3) provide a strong C5 power chord, easily extended by fretting.
• G Major Triad/Arpeggio: The G2 (string 5) and G3 (string 3) paired with B3 (string 2) allows for easy access to G major sounds, particularly if you fret a D on string 4.
• Drone Chords: The F2 and G2 on the lowest strings create a natural low drone, which can be played against the upper strings to create shifting harmonic textures. Barring across the upper strings will quickly yield major 7th chords in different keys. For instance, barring at the 5th fret on strings 4-3-2-1 would give an Fmaj7 chord, or at the 7th fret, Gmaj7.

This tuning encourages exploration beyond standard chord shapes, promoting an arpeggiated and melodic approach to playing.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

Please follow these instructions carefully. If a string requires tuning up or down by more than 4 semitones, it is generally recommended to consider a different gauge string to avoid excessive tension or looseness, which can affect playability and string life.

String 6 (Low E to F2): Tune up 1 semitone. Handle with care when tuning up.

String 5 (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones.

String 4 (D to C3): Tune down 2 semitones.

String 3 (G to G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

String 2 (B to B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

String 1 (High E to E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).