The 'Low G5 Drone' tuning for guitar is a deeply resonant and atmospheric open G variant, primarily designed to create a powerful, sustained G chord or power chord. As the name suggests, it emphasizes low frequencies and a droning quality, making it an excellent choice for ambient soundscapes, blues, slide guitar, or experimental music. Its unique character allows for rich textures and a full, almost orchestral sound from a single instrument.

Technical Analysis

This tuning drastically alters the standard EADGBe configuration. The open strings are G1 G2 G2 D3 G3 G3. Compared to standard tuning, all strings are tuned down significantly:

• The low E string (6th) is tuned down a minor sixth to G1.
• The A string (5th) is tuned down a whole step to G2.
• The D string (4th) is tuned down a perfect fifth to G2, creating a unison with the 5th string.
• The G string (3rd) is tuned down a perfect fourth to D3, the fifth of the G chord.
• The B string (2nd) is tuned down a major third to G3.
• The high E string (1st) is tuned down a minor sixth to G3, creating another unison.

The resulting open chord is a massive G major, with the root (G) spread across four strings (G1, G2, G2, G3, G3) and the perfect fifth (D) on one string (D3). This creates an incredibly thick and harmonically rich foundation.

Chords and Playability

The open tuning itself forms a powerful G major chord, which can be sustained as a drone. Due to the nature of the G-G-G-D-G-G arrangement:

• Barre Chords: Moving a single finger across all strings at any fret will produce a major chord (or a G5 power chord shape). For example, barring at the 5th fret yields a C major chord (or C5). This makes changing keys incredibly intuitive for major chords and power chords.
• Drone Effects: The numerous G notes across different octaves provide a solid harmonic base for melodic lines played on the higher strings, or for creating sustained, ambient textures.
• Slide Guitar: This tuning is exceptionally well-suited for slide guitar, as the open major chord structure allows for smooth, resonant chord changes with minimal effort.
• Fingerstyle: The deep G1 string provides an enormous low-end for rhythmic and bass parts, while the higher Gs and D allow for interesting harmonic voicings and melodic work.

How to Tune

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 9 semitones to G1.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 7 semitones to G2.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 9 semitones to G3.

Note: For tuning adjustments exceeding 4 semitones up or down, using a different gauge string is generally advised to ensure optimal tone and string tension. This applies to strings 6, 4, 3, 2, and 1 in this tuning.

String 6 (Low E): The 6th string (low E) is tuned down 9 semitones to a very deep G1, establishing the fundamental drone and an incredibly rich low-end.

String 5 (A): The 5th string (A) is tuned down 2 semitones to G2, reinforcing the root an octave higher and adding body to the low register.

String 4 (D): The 4th string (D) is tuned down 7 semitones to G2, creating a powerful unison with the 5th string, further enhancing the drone and deep timbre.

String 3 (G): The 3rd string (G) is tuned down 5 semitones to D3, providing the essential perfect fifth of the G chord and contributing to its harmonic completeness.

String 2 (B): The 2nd string (B) is tuned down 4 semitones to G3, completing the G major triad and adding a brighter texture to the overall sound.

String 1 (High E): The 1st string (high E) is tuned down 9 semitones to G3, adding another layer to the root, extending the tuning's range, and providing clarity to the top end.