Tuning Overview: Open E Minor 7 Sus4

This intriguing tuning, which we've named "Open E Minor 7 Sus4," transforms your guitar into a resonant instrument ready for unique harmonic exploration. The open strings are tuned to E-A-D-E-B-G, which collectively form an E Minor 7 Sus4 chord, providing a rich, open, and somewhat modal sound. The original description hints at this setup "reversing the first 3 strings," which can be understood as the 3rd (G) and 1st (high E) strings having their roles somewhat 'reversed' in terms of pitch movement relative to standard tuning – the G string drops to E, while the high E string rises to G.

Technical Analysis

Compared to standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, the changes are quite distinct on the G and high E strings. The low E, A, and D strings remain at their standard pitches, maintaining a familiar foundation for bass notes and power chords. However, the interval shifts on the higher strings create a new harmonic landscape:

• The 4th string (D3) to 3rd string (E3) interval is a Major 2nd (whole step), a significant departure from the standard Perfect 4th (D3 to G3).
• The 3rd string (E3) to 2nd string (B3) interval is a Perfect 4th, contrasting with the standard Major 3rd (G3 to B3).
• The 2nd string (B3) to 1st string (G4) interval is a Minor 3rd, unlike the standard Perfect 4th (B3 to E4).

These altered intervals make the open strings ring as an E Minor 7 Sus4 chord (E - Root, A - Sus4, D - b7, E - Octave, B - 5th, G - b3). This setup is ideal for creating droning effects, open chord voicings, and slide guitar, particularly in keys or modes related to E minor or E Dorian.

Chordal Exploration

With the open tuning sounding an E Minor 7 Sus4, many existing chord shapes will need to be re-evaluated. However, new sonic possibilities emerge:

• Open Chords: The open strings themselves provide a rich E Minor 7 Sus4. By simply barring across various frets, you can create transpositions of this chord quality (e.g., barring the 1st fret gives you an F Minor 7 Sus4).
• Minor Harmony: The inherent Minor 3rd (G) and flat 7th (D) lend themselves well to minor key compositions. Exploring E minor scales and arpeggios will feel natural.
• Sus4 & Modal Voicings: The A (sus4) adds a beautiful open, airy quality. This tuning is excellent for modal playing, offering unique voicings for E Dorian, E Phrygian, or other scales that utilize the natural 4th and flat 7th.
• Simplified Bass Lines: The lower E-A-D strings remaining standard allows for easy integration of familiar bass lines and power chords, while the higher strings provide harmonic colour.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Open E Minor 7 Sus4" tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these steps. Please tune carefully and use a reliable tuner.

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Final note: E2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Final note: A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Final note: D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones (G to E). Final note: E3. Caution: Tuning down 3 semitones is a significant change, proceed slowly.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Final note: B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 3 semitones (E to G). Final note: G4. Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones is a significant change. Take care to avoid string breakage, especially with lighter gauge strings.

General Tuning Advice: When tuning strings up or down by more than 4 semitones (a major third or more), it's generally advisable to consider using a different gauge of string to maintain proper tension and prevent damage to your instrument or strings. For this tuning, the 3-semitone changes are moderate, but always exercise caution.

The open notes for this "Open E Minor 7 Sus4" tuning are as follows, from lowest to highest string:

6th String: E2
5th String: A2
4th String: D3
3rd String: E3
2nd String: B3
1st String: G4