This unique tuning, described by its creator as something made up "when messing with strings," offers a rich and resonant soundscape. With a strong emphasis on G, it creates a drone-like quality, making it ideal for experimental music, slide playing, or fingerstyle where sustain and open string harmonies are desired.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to G2-A2-E3-G3-G3-D4 (from low to high). This arrangement features a powerful low G on the 6th string, and a unique unison G on the 3rd and 2nd strings, followed by a D on the 1st string. These higher G-G-D notes naturally form a Gsus2 chord, providing a beautiful, open harmonic base.

The open string voicing (G-A-E-G-G-D) doesn't immediately form a simple major or minor chord, but instead presents a complex, extended tonality. It contains the notes of a Gsus2 chord (G-D-A), plus an E. Strumming all strings open creates a rich, expansive sound that leans towards a G major tonality, with the A adding a sus2 or 9th character, and the E providing a distinctive major 6th. This makes the tuning particularly inspiring for finding new melodic and harmonic possibilities, allowing for creative voicings of chords like G major, Gsus2, Cadd9/G, or even Em/G with minimal fretting.

How to Tune

To achieve this "Autumn G Drone" tuning from standard E Standard, follow these adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 3 semitones to G2. Note: Tuning up by 3 semitones is a significant adjustment. While generally acceptable, consistently tuning this string this high might benefit from a heavier gauge string to maintain stability and prevent excessive tension.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Note: Tuning down by 4 semitones is a significant adjustment. Consider a lighter gauge string if performing this tuning regularly to avoid floppiness and maintain intonation.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

General Caution: Adjustments exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down) can significantly alter string tension and may require a different string gauge to ensure optimal playability and instrument health. Always tune carefully and be mindful of your guitar's limits.

Here are the target notes for each string (from thickest to thinnest):

String 6: G2
String 5: A2
String 4: E3
String 3: G3
String 2: G3
String 1: D4