Verbal Analysis: The Weaver's Emptiness

The 'E Minor Arpeggio Canvas' tuning (E-A-C-E-B-E) is a uniquely rich and resonant open tuning. As its original description suggests, it is indeed "good for weird arpeggios with open strings," making it ideal for atmospheric soundscapes, introspective fingerstyle pieces, or experimental compositions. It conjures an immediate sense of spaciousness and melancholy. The strong presence of E and B notes across the register creates a powerful drone, while the introduction of A and C adds layers of minor tonality and unexpected harmonic possibilities. This tuning can feel both ancient and modern, providing a versatile palette for blues, folk, ambient, or even heavier genres seeking an open, sustained chordal texture. It encourages exploration beyond standard chord shapes, inviting players to discover new melodic and harmonic movements with minimal effort.

Technical Analysis: An E minor(add4, add6) Voicing

The open notes for this tuning are E2-A2-C3-E3-B3-E4 (from the low E to the high E string). Analytically, these notes collectively form an E minor triad (E-G-B) with an added perfect 4th (A) and a minor 6th (C). This results in a rich E minor(add4, add6) voicing when all strings are strummed open. The intervals between the strings are:

• 6th String (E2) to 5th String (A2): Perfect 4th
• 5th String (A2) to 4th String (C3): Minor 3rd
• 4th String (C3) to 3rd String (E3): Major 3rd
• 3rd String (E3) to 2nd String (B3): Perfect 5th
• 2nd String (B3) to 1st String (E4): Perfect 4th

The tuning's structure makes it excellent for creating unique chord voicings and melodic patterns:

• Open Strings: Striking all open strings yields the complex E minor(add4, add6) chord, offering a full, resonant foundation.
• A Minor Triad: The 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings (A2-C3-E3) perfectly form an A minor triad, easily accessible within the tuning.
• C Major with B: The 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings (C3-E3-B3) combine to form a C major triad with an added B, creating a Cmaj7 sound (without the root G) or a Cmaj(add B).
• E5 Power Chord: The 6th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings (E2-E3-B3-E4) strongly emphasize an E power chord, providing a solid bass and top-end drone.
• Melodic Exploration: The unusual interval jumps, particularly the Major 3rd to Perfect 5th between strings 4-3 and 3-2, encourage interesting arpeggio fingerings and lead lines that would be difficult to achieve in standard tuning. Barring across different frets will reveal a fascinating array of new chord shapes and harmonic colorings.

How to Tune: Adjusting to E-A-C-E-B-E

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

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3. (Standard D3 to C3).
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3. (Standard G3 to E3).
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E4.

Important Note: The string movements for this tuning are all within safe limits (down 2 and 3 semitones), so a change in string gauge is generally not necessary. Always tune carefully and check intonation after adjustment.

6th String: E2 (Low E)

5th String: A2

4th String: C3

3rd String: E3

2nd String: B3

1st String: E4 (High E)