Overview

This unique tuning, originally named "KMII Tuning" and described as a "Folk Tuning," delivers a rich, resonant sound perfect for creating expansive soundscapes and droning textures. When played open, the strings form a full E Major chord, grounded by a remarkably low B string. This gives it a deep, almost orchestral quality, highly suitable for fingerstyle arrangements, slide guitar, and robust strumming that emphasizes sustained harmonies.

Technical Breakdown

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Original Tuning Name: KMII Tuning
• Tuning Description: Folk Tuning
• Open Notes: B1, G#3, B2, G#4, B3, E4. The notes present are B, G#, and E.
• Open Chord: The open tuning resolves to an E Major chord (E-G#-B). With the lowest note being B1, it functions as an E Major chord in second inversion (E/B).
• Sonic Characteristics: The extensive use of B and G# across multiple octaves creates a strong drone potential and harmonic density. The significant drop of the lowest string to B1 provides a powerful, deep bass foundation, while the higher E4 string maintains a familiar bright top end. This combination offers a blend of earthy depth and bright clarity.

Accessible Chords & Playing Styles

The inherent E Major quality of the open strings makes this tuning immediately playable for songs in E Major. By simply barring across certain frets, one can easily achieve other major chords rooted on the lower strings. For instance, a barre at the 2nd fret would yield an F# Major chord (F#/C#), and at the 7th fret, a B Major chord (B/F#). The tuning also lends itself well to modal playing around E Major or G# minor (by flatting the G# notes to G natural, though this would require fretting or retuning). Its drone-friendly nature is ideal for traditional folk, Celtic, and even modern ambient music, where open string resonance can be heavily exploited.

Tuning Notes

The open strings of this tuning are as follows, from lowest to highest pitch:

• String 6 (Lowest): B1
• String 5: G#3
• String 4: B2
• String 3: G#4
• String 2: B3
• String 1 (Highest): E4

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the Basso E-Major Folk Tuning from standard EADGBe tuning, carefully adjust each string as described below:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones to reach B1. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change in string tension. For optimal playability and to prevent buzzing, consider using a heavier gauge string for this lowest string.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 1 semitone to reach G#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 3 semitones to reach B2.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 1 semitone to reach G#4.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard pitch, resulting in B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard pitch, resulting in E4.