Verbal Analysis

The 'Georgi' tuning is an innovative and highly accessible modification of standard guitar tuning. As its creator describes, it's "Close to standard; the G string raised to A." This subtle yet impactful change was specifically designed for the main riff of the song "Georgi," facilitating an alternation of Esus and Asus2 using harmonics on the upper three strings. It offers a bright, open sound, making it particularly well-suited for folk, ambient, or rock styles where open, ringing chords and drone notes are desired.

Technical Analysis

Starting from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, the only alteration in the 'Georgi' tuning is the 3rd string (typically G3) being raised two semitones to A3. This results in the open string configuration of:

• E2 (6th string, low E)
• A2 (5th string)
• D3 (4th string)
• A3 (3rd string)
• B3 (2nd string)
• E4 (1st string, high E)

This E-A-D-A-B-E structure presents several interesting harmonic possibilities:

• Drone Effect: The presence of two A notes (A2 on the 5th string and A3 on the 3rd string) creates a natural drone, adding resonance and depth to open chords and melodic lines.
• Open Chord Voicings: Strumming all open strings yields an E-A-D-A-B-E configuration. This can be interpreted as an E minor 7th suspended 4th (Esus4/min7), containing the root (E), 4th/11th (A), flat 7th (D), 5th (B), and octave root (E). The absence of a major or minor third gives it an open, ambiguous, and modern sound.
• Accessible Suspended Chords: The tuning's design specifically facilitates Esus (E-A-B) and Asus2 (A-B-E) voicings, as noted by the creator. The E-A-B notes are readily available on strings 6, 5, 2 (E, A, B) or 6, 3, 2 (E, A, B), and A-B-E on strings 5, 2, 1 (A, B, E) or 3, 2, 1 (A, B, E). This makes these suspended chords, often used for atmosphere and tension, incredibly easy to play as open or nearly open shapes.
• Power Chord Shapes: The A-D-A on strings 5, 4, 3 allows for easy formation of A power chords or open D-based voicings. Similarly, the E-A on strings 6 and 5 provides a strong root-fourth interval.
• Harmonic Potential: The open intervals and repeated notes lend themselves well to melodic lines and harmonic textures, as implied by its use for harmonics in the original song. This tuning encourages exploration of ringing tones and avoids overly dense or dissonant clusters when played open.

Tuning Notes (E-A-D-A-B-E)

• 6th String (Low E): E2
• 5th String (A): A2
• 4th String (D): D3
• 3rd String (A): A3
• 2nd String (B): B3
• 1st String (High E): E4

How to Tune 'Georgi' (from Standard E-A-D-G-B-E)

To achieve the 'Georgi' tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains E2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones from G3 to A3. As this involves tuning up, ensure your string gauge can handle the increased tension. This movement is within safe limits for most standard strings, but always exercise caution.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains E4.