This unique tuning, known as Emaj7 Fos, draws inspiration from Nick Drake's distinctive tunings and has been featured in aegean.toonlink songs. It presents a rich, open harmonic landscape that is both melancholic and sophisticated, ideal for expressive fingerstyle and open chord voicings.

Technical Analysis

The open strings of this tuning create a beautifully resonant E Major 7th chord with a B in the bass (Emaj7/B). The notes are B1 (6th string), B2 (4th string), E3 (3rd string), G#3 (5th string), B3 (2nd string), and D#5 (1st string). This arrangement immediately provides a complex and rich harmonic texture, suitable for advanced folk, jazz, or ambient compositions.

The presence of three B notes across the lower and middle strings (B1, B2, B3) creates a powerful, droning bass foundation. Above this, the E (on the 3rd string), G# (on the 5th string), and D# (on the 1st string) complete the Major 7th harmony. This configuration makes it exceptionally easy to play full, lush Emaj7 and related chords with open strings ringing. Shapes for suspended chords built around B or E will also be highly accessible, allowing for fluid chord changes and melodic exploration within this harmonic framework.

The wide range from the deep B1 on the lowest string to the bright D#5 on the highest string offers a broad sonic palette, encouraging intricate fingerstyle patterns and expansive arpeggios that utilize the natural resonance of the open strings.

How to Tune

To achieve the Emaj7 Fos tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these precise string movements. It is important to pay close attention to the semitone changes, especially for the 6th string, which involves a significant drop in pitch.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. (Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial change. For optimal performance and string tension, consider using a heavier gauge string for this position, or a lighter gauge for the whole set if frequently changing to lower tunings.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone to G#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#5.

String 6 (Low E): Tuned to B1 (a B one octave and a perfect fifth below standard E2).
String 5 (A): Tuned to G#3 (a G# a semitone below standard A3).
String 4 (D): Tuned to B2 (a B a minor third below standard D3).
String 3 (G): Tuned to E3 (an E a minor third below standard G3).
String 2 (B): Remains B3 (standard pitch).
String 1 (High E): Tuned to D#5 (a D# a semitone below standard E5).