This tuning, aptly named Em7, transforms your Guitar into a deeply resonant, open chord instrument. As described in its initial concept, it's a "weird open tuning that should create an interesting doubling effect," and upon analysis, it unequivocally delivers on that promise.

Technical Analysis

This particular configuration is designed for an 8-string guitar. The open string notes, from the lowest (8th string) to the highest (1st string), are: D1, D2, G2, G2, B2, B3, E4, E4.

When examining the unique pitches present – D, G, B, and E – it becomes clear that this tuning forms a robust and full Em7 chord (E - G - B - D) across the entire range of the instrument. The lowest strings provide the foundational minor seventh (D) across two octaves. The middle strings feature the minor third (G) doubled, and the perfect fifth (B), also doubled across an octave. Finally, the highest strings provide the root (E), again doubled. This extensive doubling of chord tones across multiple octaves generates a rich, harmonically dense, and incredibly resonant sound when all strings are strummed open, perfectly fulfilling the "doubling effect" mentioned in its description.

Playing Potential

With the open strings ringing a clear Em7 chord, this tuning is exceptionally well-suited for creating lush, atmospheric soundscapes, hypnotic drone-like passages, or percussive rhythmic patterns that immediately establish a strong E minor 7th harmony. The open chord structure makes it very intuitive for rhythm playing. By simply barring across a single fret, you can easily shift the entire Em7 chord up the neck, yielding other minor seventh chords (e.g., barring at the 1st fret creates Fm7, at the 2nd fret for F#m7). This allows for straightforward key changes within this specific harmonic framework. Exploring inversions and extensions can be achieved by selectively fretting individual strings, unlocking a wide palette of sounds, particularly those rooted in E minor or its related modal characteristics.

How to Tune

To achieve the Em7 tuning, follow these specific string adjustments from your guitar's current standard tuning. Please pay close attention to the semitone changes, as significant pitch shifts can affect string tension and may require different string gauges for optimal performance and safety. As a general guideline, when exceeding negative 4 or positive 4 semitones, a different gauge string is often advised.

• For String 8 (D1): Tune down 4 semitones. As this is a significant drop, a lighter gauge string may provide better tension and tone.
• For String 7 (D2): Tune up 3 semitones.
• For String 6 (G2): Tune up 3 semitones.
• For String 5 (G2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• For String 4 (B2): Tune down 3 semitones.
• For String 3 (B3): Tune up 4 semitones. Care is advised when tuning up 4 semitones; a heavier gauge string might be considered for optimal tension and to prevent breakage.
• For String 2 (E4): Tune up 5 semitones. Extreme care is advised when tuning up 5 semitones; a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended to prevent breakage and ensure proper intonation.
• For String 1 (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Here are the target notes for each string in this Em7 tuning, arranged from the lowest pitch string (8th) to the highest (1st):

• String 8: D1
• String 7: D2
• String 6: G2
• String 5: G2
• String 4: B2
• String 3: B3
• String 2: E4
• String 1: E4