Verbal Description

The 'Reversed Treble Strings' tuning offers a truly distinctive sound by subtly yet significantly altering the top two strings of a standard guitar setup. While the foundational low four strings remain in their familiar E-A-D-G arrangement, the highest two strings are essentially swapped in pitch. Instead of the typical B string and high E string, you'll find an E where the B usually is, and a B where the high E typically resides. This re-ordering creates an intriguing sonic landscape, where standard chord shapes will yield entirely new and often unexpected voicings. It's a tuning that actively encourages experimentation, pushing players to discover fresh melodic possibilities, unique harmonic textures, and move beyond conventional guitar sounds. The open strings themselves don't immediately form a simple major or minor chord, hinting at its suitability for more complex arpeggios, drone work, or specific melodic lines that leverage its unconventional intervals.

Technical Analysis

This guitar tuning sets the open strings to E2-A2-D3-G3-E4-B3 (from low to high). When compared to standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, the bottom four strings (6th to 3rd) remain at their standard pitches: E2, A2, D3, and G3 respectively. The radical changes occur on the treble side of the instrument:

• The 2nd string, which is typically tuned to B3 in standard tuning, is raised by 5 semitones to E4.
• The 1st string, normally the high E4 in standard tuning, is lowered by 5 semitones to B3.

The resulting open notes (E, A, D, G, E, B) do not form a simple open major or minor triad. Instead, they collectively suggest a more extended harmony such as an Em7add4 (E G B D A with an additional E). This implies that the tuning is likely optimized for specific musical contexts, perhaps for creating drones, melodic motifs, or complex arpeggiated figures, rather than for generic strumming of common open chords. The perfect fourth interval between the 2nd string (E4) and 1st string (B3) offers unique melodic and two-note voicing opportunities that differ significantly from standard tuning's major second interval (B3-E4).

Accessible Chords & Voicings

While this tuning deviates from standard chord shapes, it opens up new harmonic avenues:

• An open E minor triad (E G B) can be intuitively formed using the 6th, 3rd, and 1st strings.
• An interesting A minor triad inversion (A G E) can be found by strumming strings 5, 3, and 2, offering a unique voicing.
• The tuning provides a solid foundation for drone notes on the lower E, A, D, and G strings, allowing for intricate melodic exploration on the re-ordered E and B strings.
• It encourages the creation of unique arpeggios and partial chords that leverage the specific interval relationships, particularly between the 2nd (E4) and 1st (B3) strings.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Reversed Treble Strings' tuning from a standard E-A-D-G-B-E setup, follow these instructions carefully. Please note the significant semitone changes on the top two strings, and consider string gauge as advised.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A): Tune to A2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D): Tune to D3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G): Tune to G3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (Standard B3): Tune up 5 semitones to E4. Caution: Tuning a string up by 5 semitones is a substantial increase in tension. We advise careful monitoring of your guitar's neck and bridge. For frequent use, consider employing a lighter gauge string to minimize the risk of string breakage or undue stress on your instrument.
• String 1 (Standard E4): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. Caution: Lowering a string's pitch by 5 semitones will result in a significantly looser string compared to standard tuning. If the string feels too slack or produces a muddy tone, a heavier gauge string might offer improved playability and better tonal clarity.

General String Gauge Advisory: For any tuning adjustments exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), it is generally recommended to consider switching to a string gauge specifically suited for the new tension. This helps prevent string breakage, maintains optimal playability, and protects your guitar from potential damage.