The 'major 6 standard mod' is a unique and harmonically rich tuning for the guitar, born from the creative idea of translating a Major 6 chord shape into an open string configuration. As described by its creator, the intention was to achieve a 'pretty' and sonically pleasing sound, moving beyond conventional tunings to explore new musical textures. This tuning offers a bright, open quality with a sophisticated harmonic palette, ideal for fingerstyle playing, arpeggios, and exploring unconventional chord voicings.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are: E2, A2, C#4, G#4, B2, E4. Analysing the intervals and structure reveals its distinctive character:

• The lowest string (E2) and the second lowest (A2) retain the standard Perfect 4th interval (E to A).
• String 4 (C#4) is a Major 3rd above A2 (if considering A3 as the reference, it's a Major 3rd up an octave), creating a wide, open interval that contributes to the tuning's brightness.
• String 3 (G#4) forms a Perfect 5th above C#4, maintaining a familiar harmonic relationship but in a higher register.
• A striking and defining feature is the dramatic drop from String 3 (G#4) to String 2 (B2). This interval spans a compound minor 3rd, with B2 being significantly lower than G#4, creating a very broad sonic space. This wide gap profoundly alters traditional chord shapes and allows for deep bass notes within otherwise higher voicings.
• Finally, String 1 (E4) completes the tuning with a Perfect 4th above B2 (if considering B3 as the reference, it's a Perfect 4th up an octave), bringing in a bright top end and completing an E triad with the lowest E string.

Open Chords & Musical Feel

The collective open strings (E, A, C#, G#, B, E) strongly suggest an E Major 6 chord (E, G#, B, C#), with the added A creating a rich, suspended or extended harmony. Specifically:

• By simply strumming all strings, you get a lush E Major sound with an added 6th (C#) and a 4th (A). This open chord is vibrant and full, lending itself to dreamy or sophisticated musical contexts.
• Muting the 5th string (A2) allows a clear Emaj6 chord to ring out across the remaining open strings (E2, C#4, G#4, B2, E4), which provides a rich, jazzy, or contemporary feel.
• The unique intervals and the significant octave drop on the 2nd string mean that traditional chord shapes will be entirely re-imagined. This tuning encourages exploration of new voicings and can reveal unexpected harmonic relationships, particularly for wide-interval arpeggios and expansive chord voicings that utilize the full dynamic range of the guitar. It’s exceptionally well-suited for creating broad, open sounds and complex fingerstyle arrangements.

How to Tune Your Guitar

• String 6 (Low E - E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A - A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D - D3 standard): Tune down 1 semitone to C#.
• String 3 (G - G3 standard): Tune up 1 semitone to G#.
• String 2 (B - B3 standard): Tune down 12 semitones to B2. This is a full octave drop.
• String 1 (High E - E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Important Note on String Gauge: Please exercise extreme caution when tuning String 2 down by 12 semitones (a full octave). Tuning down by more than 4 semitones significantly reduces string tension, which can make the string feel very loose, lead to intonation issues, and affect tone. For optimal playability, tone, and to maintain appropriate tension, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string for the 2nd string when utilizing this tuning.

String 6 (Low E): E2

String 5 (A): A2

String 4 (D): C#4

String 3 (G): G#4

String 2 (B): B2

String 1 (High E): E4