The "e cluster" tuning for Guitar is ingeniously designed to facilitate playing close-voiced melodic and harmonic structures, particularly tone clusters, without requiring extreme hand stretches. As its name suggests and the tuning description elaborates, the unique arrangement of the top three strings, tuned in whole steps from each other, forms the core of its sonic identity.

Technical Analysis

This tuning maintains the standard E-A-D-G configuration for the four lowest strings, providing a familiar foundation for bass notes and rhythm. The true character emerges with the higher strings:

• String 6 (Low E): E2 (Standard)
• String 5 (A): A2 (Standard)
• String 4 (D): D3 (Standard)
• String 3 (G): G3 (Standard)
• String 2 (B to A): A3 (Tuned down a whole step from standard B3)
• String 1 (High E to B): B3 (Tuned down two and a half steps from standard E4)

The open notes of this tuning are E2-A2-D3-G3-A3-B3. The interval structure is as follows:

• E2 to A2: Perfect 4th
• A2 to D3: Perfect 4th
• D3 to G3: Perfect 4th
• G3 to A3: Major 2nd (Whole Step)
• A3 to B3: Major 2nd (Whole Step)

The crucial aspect lies in the relationship between the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings (G3, A3, B3). These are indeed tuned in whole steps, forming a sequential segment of a major scale (G-A-B). This design directly supports the creation of "tone clusters" – groups of notes that are adjacent in pitch – making them easily accessible across the fretboard.

Chordal and Sonic Implications

While not designed for traditional open major or minor chords, the "e cluster" tuning excels in creating rich, open, and often suspended or modal voicings. The open strings E-A-D-G-A-B themselves can form an intriguing soundscape. For instance, the combined notes suggest an A minor 7 (A-C-E-G) with an added 9th (B) and 11th (D), or a suspended quality, particularly with the A on the 2nd string. Alternatively, it can be perceived as an E minor 11 (E-G-B-D-A) with a strong A in the bass.

The real power of this tuning comes from its ability to form clusters. By fretting across the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings at a single fret, you can easily generate a three-note cluster (e.g., at the 5th fret: C-D-E, a C major cluster). This opens up possibilities for avant-garde textures, drone music, or simply unique harmonic colors that are difficult to achieve in standard tuning. It's particularly well-suited for melodic lines that emphasize sequential notes and for exploring modern jazz or contemporary classical guitar sounds.

How to Tune

To achieve the "e cluster" tuning, follow these adjustments from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to E2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3. (This is a significant drop. Monitor string tension.)
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. (This is a substantial drop. A lighter gauge string may be advisable for better playability and to maintain optimal string tension.)

Important Note: When tuning strings down by 4 or more semitones (or up by 4 or more semitones), it's generally recommended to consider using a different gauge string. Significant drops in pitch can result in very loose string tension, affecting tone and playability, while significant increases can put undue stress on the instrument. In this tuning, String 1 has a considerable drop, so monitor its feel and consider a heavier gauge if needed for better performance.

String 6 (Low E): E2

String 5 (A): A2

String 4 (D): D3

String 3 (G): G3

String 2 (A): A3

String 1 (High B): B3