This distinctive tuning, famously utilized in Polvo's song "Thermal Treasure," provides a unique sonic landscape characterized by its deep, ringing resonance and open, expansive voicings. It's a tuning that encourages drone-based playing and effortless exploration of the E major tonality.

Verbal Analysis

The core of this tuning feels like an Open E major, but with a surprising and impactful lowest string. The low B creates a rich, almost baritone foundation, allowing for powerful, deep rumbles that underpin the brighter, shimmering E and G# notes on the higher strings. This combination leads to a full, harmonic sound where chords can ring out with great sustain. It's particularly well-suited for a raw, alternative rock sound, providing both a solid rhythmic bedrock and shimmering melodic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to B1 E2 G#3 E3 G#4 E4. This configuration technically spells out an E major chord (E-G#-B) but with the lowest string acting as a bass note, giving it the quality of an E major chord with a B in the bass (B/E). Let's break down the intervals between adjacent strings:

• String 6 (B1) to String 5 (E2): A Perfect 4th.
• String 5 (E2) to String 4 (G#3): A Major 3rd (plus an octave).
• String 4 (G#3) to String 3 (E3): A descending minor 3rd (or ascending diminished 5th).
• String 3 (E3) to String 2 (G#4): A Major 3rd (plus an octave).
• String 2 (G#4) to String 1 (E4): A descending minor 3rd (or ascending diminished 5th).

This arrangement makes open E major chords incredibly resonant. Other major chords can be easily achieved by simply barring a single finger across a fret. For instance, barring all strings at the 2nd fret will yield a C# major chord (C# F# A# C# F# A#), and barring at the 7th fret would give you an F# major chord (F# B D# F# B D#). The low B string also opens up possibilities for deep power chords, particularly when combined with the E string, creating strong root-5th voicings with ease.

Open String Notes

6th String (Low E): B1
5th String (A): E2
4th String (D): G#3
3rd String (G): E3
2nd String (B): G#4
1st String (High E): E4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

• 6th String (Low E to B1): Tune down 5 semitones. This is a significant drop in tension; a lighter gauge string is advised if you plan to keep this tuning for an extended period.
• 5th String (A to E2): Tune down 5 semitones. Again, a notable decrease in tension; consider a lighter gauge string for optimal playability and string longevity.
• 4th String (D to G#3): Tune down 6 semitones. This is a substantial drop in pitch. For best results and to avoid potential issues, a lighter gauge string is highly recommended.
• 3rd String (G to E3): Tune down 3 semitones. Care should be taken when adjusting the tension.
• 2nd String (B to G#4): Tune down 3 semitones. Care should be taken when adjusting the tension.
• 1st String (High E to E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

General Gauge Advice: For any string movement exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), considering a different gauge string is generally advised to maintain optimal string tension, intonation, and to prevent undue stress on your instrument.