Verbal Analysis

This unique tuning, which we've named Open Eb(add9), creates a rich and full harmonic landscape that immediately evokes a sense of openness and major tonality. When strummed open, all strings combine to form an Eb(add9) chord, making it an excellent choice for a strong, resonant drone or for compositions that center around an Eb sound. The inclusion of the 'F' note (the 9th) adds a contemporary and slightly suspended quality, moving beyond a simple major triad to offer more harmonic depth and interest. This tuning lends itself beautifully to slide guitar, fingerstyle arpeggios, and melodic exploration, as many notes within the Eb major scale become easily accessible across the open strings and adjacent frets. It encourages a new way of thinking about the fretboard, inspiring fresh chord voicings and musical ideas.

Technical Analysis

• Open String Notes: The open strings are tuned to Eb3, Bb3, F3, G3, Bb4, Eb5 (from low to high). These are also commonly referred to as D#3, A#3, F3, G3, A#4, D#5 respectively.
• Chord Voicing: These notes collectively form an Eb(add9) chord (Eb - root, Bb - 5th, F - 9th, G - major 3rd). This means that a simple open strum will always sound harmonically complete and pleasing within an Eb major context.
• Intervals:
  • 6th String (Eb3): Root
  • 5th String (Bb3): Perfect 5th
  • 4th String (F3): Major 9th (or Major 2nd)
  • 3rd String (G3): Major 3rd
  • 2nd String (Bb4): Perfect 5th (Octave higher)
  • 1st String (Eb5): Root (Octave higher)
• Playability and Chords:
  • Open Chords: An Eb(add9) is available simply by strumming all open strings. This serves as a strong home base for compositions.
  • Easily Accessible Chords: Moving a single finger or barring across frets can easily yield related open chords. For instance, barring all strings at the 1st fret would create an E(add9) chord (F# for the 9th), while barring at the 3rd fret would give a G(add9) type chord. This allows for quick harmonic shifts.
  • Melodic Potential: The open G3 and Bb4 strings provide strong major 3rd and 5th tones, allowing for melodies that sit well within an Eb major scale, with the F3 offering additional harmonic color and tension release. The resonant open strings are excellent for creating drones and sustained notes.
• Tension Considerations: Several strings are retuned from standard EADGBe. While most movements are minor, the 4th string is tuned up 3 semitones. Players should monitor string tension and intonation. For optimal performance and string longevity, consider using string gauges appropriate for the specific tension changes. While none of the string movements strictly exceed the common recommendation of 4 or more semitones for a gauge change, a slightly lighter gauge on the 4th string might be beneficial for comfort and to reduce stress on the neck and bridge.

How to Tune

To achieve this Open Eb(add9) tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 1 semitones from E3 to D#3 (Eb3). This is a minor adjustment.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 1 semitones from A3 to A#3 (Bb3). This is a minor adjustment.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 3 semitones from D3 to F3. Note: Tuning up 3 semitones is a moderate increase in tension. While it does not exceed the threshold (4 semitones) where a different string gauge is typically advised, players should proceed with care and monitor string tension and intonation.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G3 to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitones from B4 to A#4 (Bb4). This is a minor adjustment.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 1 semitones from E5 to D#5 (Eb5). This is a minor adjustment.

Always check your intonation after tuning, especially when making string adjustments, to ensure your guitar plays in tune across the fretboard.

Here are the notes for each string in this Open Eb(add9) tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st) string:

6th String (Low E): D#3 (Eb3)

5th String (A): A#3 (Bb3)

4th String (D): F3

3rd String (G): G3

2nd String (B): A#4 (Bb4)

1st String (High E): D#5 (Eb5)