This "Open GE" tuning transforms your guitar into a versatile instrument for drone-based playing, open chord voicings centered around E minor, and exploring rich pentatonic melodies. It builds upon the standard EADGBe tuning by making strategic adjustments to the higher strings, creating a unique sonic landscape.

Verbal Analysis

The most striking feature of the Open GE tuning is the unison G notes on the 3rd and 2nd strings, along with the high D string. This creates an immediate, ringing G power chord (G5) when strummed without any fretting on these three strings. The low E string remains standard, grounding the tuning in an E minor tonality, as suggested by its name "Open GE". This combination makes it particularly easy to find open chords and scales that resonate with E minor or G major. The overall open strum (E-A-D-G-G-D) produces a lush E minor 7sus4 sound, offering a rich, almost ambient quality that is excellent for atmospheric playing, fingerstyle, or rhythmic strumming where a complex harmonic foundation is desired.

This tuning is ideal for players looking to simplify certain chord shapes and explore new harmonic textures, especially within folk, blues, or alternative genres. The drone capabilities of the G strings provide a constant harmonic center, allowing for melodic improvisation and a sense of openness. It encourages creative exploration beyond standard chord shapes, making it easier to play "around" E minor and its relative G major pentatonic scales.

Technical Analysis

• Standard vs. Open GE: Compared to standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, the Open GE tuning (E-A-D-G-G-D) involves two key changes:
  • The 2nd string (normally B) is tuned down 4 semitones to G.
  • The 1st string (normally high E) is tuned down 2 semitones to D.
• Resulting Notes: The open strings are E2 A2 D3 G3 G3 D4.
• Intervals:
  • 6th to 5th string: Perfect 4th (E-A)
  • 5th to 4th string: Perfect 4th (A-D)
  • 4th to 3rd string: Perfect 4th (D-G)
  • 3rd to 2nd string: Unison (G-G) - a distinctive feature.
  • 2nd to 1st string: Perfect 5th (G-D)
• Chordal Implications:
  • Strumming the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings open yields a clear G5 power chord (G-G-D).
  • Strumming all six open strings (E-A-D-G-G-D) results in an E minor 7sus4 chord (E, A, D, G).
  • With minimal fretting, common E minor and G major shapes become highly accessible. For example, fretting the 5th string (A) at the 2nd fret to B will immediately complete an E minor triad (E-B-D-G-G-D).

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open GE

To achieve the Open GE tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps. Please ensure your guitar is in good working order and always tune carefully to avoid string breakage, especially when tuning up significantly. Note the specific semitone changes below:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at E2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones. Lower the pitch from B3 to G3. Please exercise caution as tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change, close to the range where a different string gauge might be advised for optimal tension and tone.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones. Lower the pitch from E4 to D4.

Here are the notes for each string in the Open GE tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st):

6th String (Lowest): E2

5th String: A2

4th String: D3

3rd String: G3

2nd String: G3

1st String (Highest): D4