Verbal Analysis: The "Open G11" Tuning

This intriguing tuning, aptly named "Open G11," emerged from a "weird guitar tunings" video by Music is Win, where its unique sonic character caught the ear. It's a tuning that immediately evokes a rich, complex, and somewhat jazzy or bluesy atmosphere when strummed open. The low strings deliver a deep, almost brooding resonance, while the higher strings sing with a bright, open G chord. The combination of these elements creates a full, captivating sound that can inspire new melodic and harmonic ideas.

The beauty of this tuning lies in its inherent complexity and simplicity. While the full open strum offers a sophisticated G11 chord, the repetitive G notes on the top three strings make it incredibly intuitive for certain approaches. It’s a tuning that encourages exploration, lending itself well to both intricate fingerstyle and powerful, open-chord strumming.

Technical Analysis: Deciphering Open G11

The "Open G11" tuning is set to B1-F2-C3-G3-G3-G4 (from low 6th string to high 1st string). Let's break down the notes and intervals:

• 6th String (B1): The low B provides a deep, resonant foundation.
• 5th String (F2): A minor seventh above B1, or a perfect fourth below C3, adding harmonic complexity.
• 4th String (C3): A perfect fourth, giving the chord its 11th characteristic.
• 3rd String (G3): The root note, providing stability.
• 2nd String (G3): Another root note, reinforcing the G.
• 1st String (G4): The root note an octave higher, completing the rich G voicing.

When strummed open, these notes (B, F, C, G) combine to form a G11 chord (G - B - C - F). This is characterized by the root (G), major third (B), perfect fourth/eleventh (C), and minor seventh (F). The absence of the perfect fifth (D) and ninth (A) gives it a somewhat open and less dense feel than a full G11, while still retaining its distinct, sophisticated character. The presence of the tritone interval between the 6th string (B) and 5th string (F) adds a tension and richness often found in blues and jazz voicings.

Chords and Playability:

• Open Chord: The natural G11 chord (G-B-C-F) is immediately available, offering a sophisticated sound for intros, arpeggios, or dynamic strumming. It's particularly useful for blues, jazz, or even ambient music.
• Barre Chords: Barring across all strings at any fret will yield a new 11th chord, providing an easy way to transpose the open G11. For example, barring at the 1st fret gives you an Ab11 chord. The stacked G's on the top three strings (G3-G3-G4) make it incredibly simple to create major triads on those strings, allowing for powerful melodic statements over the more complex bass notes.
• Drone and Slide: The repeating G notes on the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings make this an excellent tuning for drone-based playing and slide guitar, where the consistent root note can underpin melodic movements. The wide intervals on the lower strings can also facilitate interesting bass lines and open string voicings.
• Creative Voicings: The unique arrangement encourages fingerstyle players to discover fresh chord voicings and arpeggios that might not be possible in standard tuning. The low B, F, and C provide a deep foundation that can be combined with the higher Gs for expansive textures.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open G11

Tuning to Open G11 involves significant adjustments for several strings. Please proceed with caution, especially for strings with larger semitone movements, as these may require a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension and prevent string breakage.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones from its standard E2 to B1. (Caution: This is a significant drop of more than 4 semitones. A heavier gauge string is advised for better tension and to prevent buzzing.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 4 semitones from its standard A2 to F2. (Caution: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string may be advisable.)
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard D3 to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remaining at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones from its standard B3 to G3. (Caution: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string may be advisable.)
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 3 semitones from its standard E4 to G4. (Caution: While 3 semitones is generally manageable, always tune up slowly and carefully to avoid string breakage.)

Always use a reliable tuner and ensure your guitar is properly intonated after changing to a radically different tuning.

Here are the open notes for each string, from low to high:

• 6th String (Low E): Tuned to B1
• 5th String (A): Tuned to F2
• 4th String (D): Tuned to C3
• 3rd String (G): Tuned to G3
• 2nd String (B): Tuned to G3
• 1st String (High E): Tuned to G4