The "SY Baritone G-A Drone" tuning is a profoundly low and open tuning, evidently inspired by the experimental, droning, and often dissonant soundscapes popularized by bands like Sonic Youth. As the original description hints ("Sonic Youth on baritone uhmmm yea"), this setup transforms the guitar into a baritone-like instrument, delving into sonic territories typically reserved for bass or deeply detuned guitars. It's designed for heavy, resonant riffs, expansive open string drones, and abstract chord voicings that push the boundaries of conventional harmony.

Technical Analysis

The open string configuration for this tuning is G1-D2-A2-D3-G3-A3 (from low E to high E string). This arrangement creates a rich, ambiguous, and resonant open chord, strongly implying a G suspended harmony. Specifically, it can be interpreted as a Gsus2/4 chord (G-A-D) with added octaves and a doubled A. The lowest G1 is exceptionally deep, providing a massive foundation, almost venturing into bass frequencies. The open strings offer a natural drone perfect for rhythmic textures and experimental sound design.

Due to the unique intervals, standard chord shapes will need significant re-imagining, opening up new melodic and harmonic possibilities. Power chords will be easily accessible by barring across the relevant strings, particularly on the lower register. The repeated D and G notes across different octaves provide a strong harmonic anchor while the A notes introduce a suspended, open, and slightly melancholic or yearning quality. This tuning encourages exploration outside of typical major/minor frameworks, perfect for creating an expansive, ambient, or heavy sound.

How to Tune (from Standard E Standard Tuning)

This tuning involves significant downward adjustments for all strings from standard E Standard tuning (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4). Due to the extreme downtuning (many strings moving 5 semitones or more, and all strings moving 4 semitones or more), using a heavier gauge string set, such as those designed for baritone guitars, is highly recommended to maintain proper string tension, intonation, and playability.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 9 semitones to G1. (Moves from E2 to G1)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 7 semitones to D2. (Moves from A2 to D2)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. (Moves from D3 to A2)
• String 3 (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. (Moves from G3 to D3)
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. (Moves from B3 to G3)
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 7 semitones to A3. (Moves from E4 to A3)

String 6 (Low E String): Tuned to G1

String 5 (A String): Tuned to D2

String 4 (D String): Tuned to A2

String 3 (G String): Tuned to D3

String 2 (B String): Tuned to G3

String 1 (High E String): Tuned to A3