Verbal Analysis

This experimental tuning, born from a period of hand recovery, is specifically designed for guitarists seeking a heavy, unique sound while potentially limiting fretting to just three fingers. It encourages exploration beyond standard voicings, fostering creativity through its unconventional structure. The creator notes that, with all strings open, it resonates as a rich Eb6 sus4 chord, providing an instant harmonic foundation. The tuning also lends itself to interesting partial chords; for instance, strings 1-5 open present an Ab sonority, strings 1-4 an intriguing Cmb6, strings 1-3 an Eb sus4, and strings 1-2 a powerful Ab5. While the precise meaning of "Eb Ab C Eb Ab Eb will give you an A if you barre 1st - 5th fret" might be open to interpretation, it suggests that specific barre positions can yield surprising and musically useful chord shapes, perhaps mimicking the feel or intervals of an A chord.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning are D#3, G#3, C3, D#4, G#4, and D#5 (from low to high string). In enharmonic terms, this is Eb3, Ab3, C3, Eb4, Ab4, Eb5. This arrangement creates a unique intervallic structure:

• String 6: Eb3 (Root)
• String 5: Ab3 (Perfect 4th above Eb3)
• String 4: C3 (Major 6th below Eb3, or a Major 7th below Eb4. This C note adds a distinctive flavor.)
• String 3: Eb4 (Octave above String 6)
• String 2: Ab4 (Octave above String 5)
• String 1: Eb5 (Two Octaves above String 6)

The core of this tuning is built around Eb, Ab, and C notes, spanning three octaves for Eb and two for Ab. The presence of the Eb-Ab (root-perfect 4th) relationship repeated across multiple string sets makes it highly suitable for drone effects and easily accessible power chords. The C note, functioning as an added 6th (relative to Eb) but positioned low in the tuning, provides a rich harmonic extension. This configuration naturally simplifies chord voicings, as many common shapes can be achieved with fewer fingers, making it ideal for the "three fingers" approach mentioned by the creator. Barre chords across any fret will maintain the open tuning's intervallic character, transposing the Eb6 sus4 quality to a new root.

String 6: D#3 (Eb3)

String 5: G#3 (Ab3)

String 4: C3

String 3: D#4 (Eb4)

String 2: G#4 (Ab4)

String 1: D#5 (Eb5)

How to Tune:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down from E to D# (Eb), a movement of 1 semitone.
• String 5 (A): Tune down from A to G# (Ab), a movement of 1 semitone.
• String 4 (D): Tune down from D to C, a movement of 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G): Tune down from G to D# (Eb), a movement of 4 semitones. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension.)
• String 2 (B): Tune down from B to G# (Ab), a movement of 3 semitones.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down from E to D# (Eb), a movement of 1 semitone.

Please exercise caution when making significant tuning changes. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, a different gauge string is generally advised to maintain proper string tension and avoid potential damage to your instrument or strings.