The Nick Drake Tuning is a deeply resonant and atmospheric open tuning, frequently associated with the legendary British folk artist Nick Drake and his unique, melancholic soundscapes. This tuning transforms the standard guitar into a lush, drone-like instrument, perfect for intricate fingerstyle arrangements and expressive chord voicings.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning immediately presents an open G Major chord (G-G-D-G-G-D) when strummed open, but it's far from a standard Open G. The most striking feature is the unison low Gs on the 6th and 5th strings, creating a rich, thick foundation. The 3rd string is dropped an entire octave from its standard G3 to G2, adding an extraordinary depth and somber quality to the sound. The combination of these low Gs with the D notes creates a powerful, almost orchestral drone that is both introspective and expansive. It lends itself beautifully to contemplative and ethereal music, allowing melodies to float above a constant harmonic bed. The wide array of G notes across different octaves provides a shimmering, sustained quality, making it ideal for fingerpicking patterns that emphasize sympathetic vibrations.

Technical Analysis

Technically, this tuning is a variation of Open G, with the notes arranged as G2 G2 D3 G2 G3 D4 (from low E to high E string). This translates to a G Major chord with a unique voicing and spread. The intervals from the lowest G2 are:

• String 6: G2 (Root)
• String 5: G2 (Root, unison with string 6)
• String 4: D3 (Perfect 5th)
• String 3: G2 (Root, an octave below standard G3)
• String 2: G3 (Root, standard G)
• String 1: D4 (Perfect 5th)

The abundance of G notes across three octaves (G2, G3) provides tremendous harmonic stability and resonance. Chords are easily formed by barring across frets. For example, a single barre at the 5th fret will produce a C Major chord (C-C-G-C-C-G), and at the 7th fret, a D Major chord (D-D-A-D-D-A). Minor chords will require more nuanced fingerings, but the open structure often allows for interesting suspensions and dissonances to be easily incorporated, characteristic of Nick Drake's style. The low G on the 3rd string is particularly unique and a defining feature of this tuning.

How to Tune

To achieve the Nick Drake Tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 3 semitones to G2. (Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones puts increased tension on the string. While generally acceptable, consider a lighter gauge if maintaining this tuning frequently.)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 12 semitones to G2. (Important: Tuning down an entire octave can cause significant slack and affect tone. A much heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string to achieve proper tension and sound.)
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. (Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string for this position may improve tone and playability.)
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

String 6: G2

String 5: G2

String 4: D3

String 3: G2

String 2: G3

String 1: D4