This tuning, affectionately known as "low open e," transforms your guitar into a powerful, baritone-range instrument, delivering a deep and resonant sound. It shares its structural inspiration with the classic Open G tuning but is significantly lowered across all strings, creating a unique sonic landscape.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to B1-E3-B2-E3-G#4-B3 (from low to high). When strummed open, these notes collectively form an E Major chord (E-G#-B) with a very low B serving as the foundational bass note, effectively making it an E/B chord. This provides a rich, full sound ideal for powerful chord progressions and drone-like accompaniment.

The intervals from the lowest B (String 6) are: a Perfect 4th (E), an Octave (B), another Perfect 4th (E), a Major 6th (G#), and an Octave (B). This distinct voicing allows for easy exploration of melodic and harmonic ideas, particularly suited for blues, rock, and slide guitar styles. The tuning description notes a similarity to "Keef" tuning, often implying a 5-string setup, but this specific tuning retains all 6 strings while achieving a similarly low and impactful sound.

Chords and Playability

With the open strings forming an E/B Major chord, all major chords become accessible with a single barre across the frets. For example, barring all strings at the 1st fret yields an F/C Major chord, and at the 2nd fret, an F#/C# Major chord. This simplifies chord changes and opens up creative possibilities for slide guitar techniques and powerful, ringing voicings.

The significantly lowered tuning, particularly the low B string, provides a massive bottom end, making it excellent for heavy riffs and creating a dense, atmospheric sound. The presence of the G# adds a bright, major quality to the overall sound, preventing it from sounding muddy despite its low register.

String Gauge Considerations

Given the extreme nature of this tuning, which ventures into baritone range, the use of heavier gauge strings is absolutely essential. The original description specifies a preferred set of 12-16-24p-32-44-56, which is crucial for maintaining proper string tension, intonation, and preventing string breakage, especially with the following string movements:

• String 6 (Low E to B1): Tuned down 5 semitones. This significant drop (-5 semitones) exceeds the -4 semitone recommendation, strongly advising a heavier gauge to avoid floppiness and maintain tone.
• String 5 (A to E3): Tuned up 7 semitones. This is a very substantial increase in tension (+7 semitones), significantly exceeding the +4 semitone recommendation. A much heavier gauge string designed for such high tension is vital. Extreme caution should be exercised during tuning to prevent string breakage or potential neck damage.
• String 1 (High e to B3): Tuned down 5 semitones. Similar to String 6, this drop (-5 semitones) advises a heavier gauge for optimal performance and stability.

For the other strings, while their movements are within a more moderate range (3 semitones down), the overall tension profile of this tuning benefits greatly from a balanced, heavier gauge set across the board.

How to Tune to Low Open E (E/B)

Starting from standard E-A-D-G-B-e tuning, adjust each string as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones to B1.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 7 semitones to E3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 3 semitones to G#4.
• String 1 (High e): Tune down 5 semitones to B3.

The target notes for the Low Open E (E/B) tuning are:

• String 6: B1
• String 5: E3
• String 4: B2
• String 3: E3
• String 2: G#4
• String 1: B3