Verbal Analysis

The 'Ascendant Minor Drone' tuning is a truly unique and experimental sonic landscape, precisely as described by its creator: "idk but it sounds cool probably". This tuning steps far outside conventional harmonic structures, offering a rich tapestry of minor, augmented, and dissonant intervals that can evoke moods ranging from melancholic to intensely dramatic. It's designed for players looking to explore uncharted sonic territory, providing an immediate sense of mystery and depth when strummed open. The strong low F drone anchors the sound, while the combination of minor thirds, augmented fourths, and augmented sixths creates a haunting and sometimes unsettling, yet undeniably captivating, resonance. This isn't a tuning for easy pop songs; it's a canvas for creating intricate soundscapes, heavy riffs, or atmospheric textures, inviting exploration into less conventional musical territories.

Technical Analysis

This 6-string guitar tuning, 'Ascendant Minor Drone', presents the following open notes:

• 6th String (Low E Standard): F2
• 5th String (A Standard): G#3
• 4th String (D Standard): C#4
• 3rd String (G Standard): F3
• 2nd String (B Standard): A#4
• 1st String (High E Standard): D#5

Analyzing the intervals relative to the lowest F2:

• F2 (6th String): Root (P1)
• G#3 (5th String): Minor 3rd (m3)
• C#4 (4th String): Augmented 4th (A4)
• F3 (3rd String): Perfect Octave (P8)
• A#4 (2nd String): Augmented 3rd (A3) – Enharmonically a Perfect 4th (Bb)
• D#5 (1st String): Augmented 6th (A6) – Enharmonically a Minor 7th (Eb)

The open strings can be considered as the collection of notes F, G# (Ab), C# (Db), F, A# (Bb), D# (Eb). This creates a highly complex harmonic structure. When fully strummed, the prominent intervals like the minor 3rd (G#), augmented 4th (C#), and the distinct voicings across the strings prevent it from resolving into a simple major or minor chord, making it a sound well-suited for suspenseful or avant-garde musical contexts.

However, this unique arrangement offers intriguing possibilities for partial chords and melodic exploration:

• The strong F drone (strings 6 and 3) provides a stable foundation upon which to build intricate melodies and harmonies.
• The lowest three strings (F2, G#3, C#4) outline an interesting intervallic structure: Root, minor 3rd, augmented 4th. This forms a Db major triad in second inversion (Db-F-Ab) if C# is treated as Db and G# as Ab, giving a somewhat 'doom' or 'gothic' feel.
• The upper three strings (F3, A#4, D#5) create a distinct voicing that, if A# is Bb and D# is Eb, forms an Eb major triad in second inversion (Eb-Bb-F).
• The combination of these two structures (Db major and Eb major, both with F) results in a highly textured sound ideal for modal playing, especially those with minor or suspended qualities.
• Chords within easy reach would include open F power chords (using strings 6 and 3), and by fretting specific notes, players could easily construct dissonant clusters, suspended chords, or open voicings that exploit the augmented intervals for tension and release. This tuning lends itself well to experimental genres, ambient music, or anything requiring a unique, non-standard harmonic palette.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Ascendant Minor Drone' tuning, start from standard EADGBe tuning and make the following adjustments. Please exercise caution when tuning strings, especially when tuning up. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is often advised to prevent breakage or excessive looseness.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone to F2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone to G#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone to A#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#5.