About the 'jomari' Tuning

Verbal Analysis

The 'jomari' tuning, inspired by a fingerstyle guitarist, offers a unique soundscape primarily characterized by its lowered bass strings. With the lowest E string dropped significantly to C# and the A string to G, it establishes a deep, resonant foundation. This tuning likely aims to facilitate specific fingerstyle patterns or provide fresh harmonic possibilities not easily achievable in standard tuning. The original inspiration, involving a capo on the 1st fret, suggests that the player might be exploring brighter tonalities while retaining the unique open string relationships. Experimenting with open string chords, you'll find a clear G major triad (G-B-D) available across the 5th, 2nd, and 4th strings. Additionally, the open strings provide the notes for an E minor second inversion (G-B-E) using the 5th, 2nd, and 1st strings, offering a rich, resonant minor sonority. The combination of D and F# on the 4th and 3rd strings strongly outlines a D major chord fragment, and the low C# provides a strong root for potential C# minor or D major related harmonies, allowing for creative exploration beyond conventional voicings.

Technical Analysis

This tuning moves away from standard E-A-D-G-B-E by significantly altering the lower strings while keeping the top three (D-F#-B-E) mostly intact relative to each other (G-B-E becomes F#-B-E, a semitone shift on the 3rd string). The resulting open string notes are C#3 G2 D3 F#4 B3 E4.

• The 6th string (C#) and 5th string (G) form an augmented 4th (tritone), a dissonant interval that can add tension or bluesy character.
• The 5th (G) and 4th (D) strings form a perfect 5th, providing a strong harmonic anchor.
• The 4th (D) and 3rd (F#) strings form a major 3rd, outlining a D major chord fragment.
• The 3rd (F#) and 2nd (B) strings form a perfect 4th.
• The 2nd (B) and 1st (E) strings form a perfect 4th.

The combination of deep drops on the bass strings with familiar intervals on the treble side creates a versatile tuning. It allows for deep, resonant bass notes while maintaining relatively standard fingerings for melodies or higher chords on the upper strings. The open C# and G offer a unique drone capability, and the D-F#-B-E sequence offers its own distinct flavor due to the C# and G bass.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'jomari' tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Note: All string movements for this tuning are within a safe range. However, for any tuning involving drops or raises of 5 semitones or more, it is generally recommended to consider a different gauge string to maintain optimal tension and guitar health.