Verbal Analysis

The "4th og Gmaj" tuning offers a distinctive and resonant sonic landscape, veering significantly from standard guitar tuning while retaining some familiarity in its upper register. The open strings create a rich, slightly melancholic harmony, making it particularly well-suited for expressive fingerstyle, drone-based music, or compositions that explore open voicings. The deep, rumbling low D and G strings provide a strong foundation, while the surprising jump to E on the 4th string and the standard G-B-E on the top three strings create a unique melodic and harmonic playground. This tuning invites experimentation, encouraging players to discover new chord shapes and voicings that naturally emerge from its altered intervals.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is configured as D2-G2-E3-G3-B3-E4 (from lowest string to highest string). Let's break down its characteristics:

• Interval Structure: The intervals between successive open strings are: Perfect 4th (D2-G2), Major 6th (G2-E3), Minor 3rd (E3-G3), Major 3rd (G3-B3), Perfect 4th (B3-E4). The notable Major 6th interval between the 5th (G2) and 4th (E3) strings is a significant departure from standard tuning, opening up unique harmonic and melodic opportunities.
• Open String Chords and Harmonies:
  • Strumming all six open strings (D-G-E-G-B-E) results in a rich E minor 7th chord with a D in the bass (Em7/D). This provides an immediate, full-bodied, and slightly dark sonority.
  • The top three strings (G3-B3-E4) form a clear G Major triad, offering a familiar reference point for higher melodies and chords.
  • The 4th through 1st strings (E3-G3-B3-E4) collectively outline an E minor chord, reinforcing the minor tonality present when all strings are strummed.
  • The lower D and G strings provide a strong Perfect 4th foundation, reminiscent of dropped tunings, but then diverge with the E3 on the 4th string.
• Chordal Possibilities:
  • The consistent G-B-E on the top three strings means many standard chord shapes and scales within that register will remain intact and accessible, particularly those involving G major and E minor voicings.
  • The open Em7/D chord suggests that E minor and G major are strong harmonic centers within this tuning. Barre chords across strings 4-1 (E-G-B-E) will yield minor chords (e.g., 1st fret = Fm, 2nd fret = F#m).
  • The unique interval spread in the lower strings (D-G-E) will necessitate rethinking traditional barre chord shapes, potentially leading to exciting new voicings and power chords. Players might find success with two or three-finger chord clusters that exploit the open strings as drones and pedal tones.

Tuning Notes (Open Strings)

String 6 (Lowest String): D2
String 5: G2
String 4: E3
String 3: G3
String 2: B3
String 1 (Highest String): E4

How to Tune Your Guitar to "4th og Gmaj"

To achieve the "4th og Gmaj" tuning, you will adjust your strings from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones from D3 to E3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at G3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at E4.

Important Note on String Gauge: The tuning adjustments for this particular setup are within a safe range (-2 to +2 semitones) for standard string gauges. However, for any tuning that requires moving strings more than 4 semitones up or down (e.g., -5 or +5 semitones), it is generally advised to consider using a different string gauge to ensure optimal playability and to prevent undue stress on the instrument or string breakage.