This tuning, aptly named "E A D A B E Open Tuning," offers a simple yet profound sonic palette, particularly well-suited for genres like math rock where open, ringing tones and intricate arpeggios are prized. As described by its user, it provides a very open and resonant sound, making it forgiving for improvisation and exploration and lending itself to complex, shimmering textures.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to E2 A2 D3 A3 B2 E4. This arrangement immediately forms a rich E minor 11 (Em11) chord without the 3rd (G) and 9th (F#). The core notes present are E (root), A (4th/11th), D (minor 7th), and B (5th).

Key characteristics of this tuning include:

• Harmonic Depth: The two E's (E2, E4) and two A's (A2, A3) create a strong, resonant foundation, allowing for a full and sustained sound when all open strings are strummed. This provides a natural drone quality.
• Unique Voicing: The B2 on the 2nd string is tuned significantly lower than its standard tuning counterpart (B3), giving the 5th of the E chord a lower, fuller presence and creating unique intervallic relationships with the surrounding strings (D3 and E4). This low B adds a distinctive dark and resonant quality.
• Open Chord Potential: The entire tuning is essentially an open Em11 chord, meaning that simply strumming the open strings yields a complex, atmospheric sound. Moving this shape up the neck with a barre will generate similar 11th chords (e.g., A at 5th fret, D at 10th fret), providing immediate harmonic consistency.
• Math Rock Suitability: The open string resonance, combined with the non-standard intervals, makes it ideal for complex arpeggiations, tapping techniques, and creating shimmering, delayed textures. It encourages players to think outside traditional chord shapes and explore melodic patterns across the strings, perfect for the angular and intricate nature of math rock.

Simple one-finger barres can yield various 11th chords, and the spacing allows for interesting drone notes and melodic interplay, particularly between the A and B strings. The low B string creates opportunities for deep bass lines or resonant pedal tones.

How to Tune

To achieve the E A D A B E Open Tuning from standard E A D G B E tuning:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from standard E2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from standard A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from standard D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones from standard G3 to A3. This is a moderate change and generally safe for most string gauges.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 12 semitones (an entire octave) from standard B3 to B2. Caution: This is a significant drop in pitch. It is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string for the 2nd string to maintain tension, intonation, and playability, and to prevent string floppiness.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from standard E4.

6th String (Low E): Tuned to E2 (the same as standard tuning).

5th String (A): Tuned to A2 (the same as standard tuning).

4th String (D): Tuned to D3 (the same as standard tuning).

3rd String (G): Tuned to A3 (up 2 semitones from standard G3).

2nd String (B): Tuned to B2 (down 12 semitones from standard B3, an entire octave lower).

1st String (High E): Tuned to E4 (the same as standard tuning).