This unique tuning is known as "Standard with a Minor Second in the Middle". It offers a distinctive soundscape, particularly suited for genres like slowcore as suggested in its description. It takes the familiar foundation of standard tuning and introduces intriguing alterations that open up new harmonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

Comparing to standard E-A-D-G-B-E, this tuning presents the following open string pitches:

• 6th String (Low E): E2
• 5th String (A): A2
• 4th String (D): D4# (significantly higher than standard D3, an octave and a semitone up)
• 3rd String (G): E3 (three semitones lower than standard G3)
• 2nd String (B): B3
• 1st String (High E): E4

The most striking feature is the non-linear pitch arrangement of the middle strings: the 4th string is D4#, while the 3rd string is E3. This means the 4th string is pitched higher than the 3rd string (D#4 is higher in pitch than E3). This creates an intriguing 'minor second' interval between the D# (4th string) and E (3rd string) if considering pitch classes, but a large descending interval from the 4th to 3rd string when played in sequence by string number.

The open strings, from lowest to highest pitch, are E2, A2, E3, B3, D4#, E4. This combination results in a rich E Major 7th chord with a suspended 4th (E-A-E-B-D#-E). The abundance of E notes (E2, E3, E4) provides a strong, resonant E tonic, while the D# (major seventh) and A (suspended fourth) add colour and a slightly open, contemplative quality to the sound.

Open Chords and Possibilities

With the open strings forming an Emaj7(sus4), strumming all strings open will yield a full, ambient E chord, perfect for atmospheric textures. The strong E presence across multiple octaves makes E-based chords feel very natural and resonant. The close proximity of D# and E as distinct pitches (though on non-adjacently pitched strings) can be exploited for interesting voicings and melodic movements, particularly for arpeggios or drone effects. Fingerings for standard chords will be significantly altered, but new, unique voicings for E major, E major 7, and A minor/major chords may emerge easily due to the open string harmonies.

How to Tune

To achieve this tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these specific adjustments for each string. Always tune carefully and progressively:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays E2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 1 semitone from standard D3 to D#3. Please note: The desired target note for this string is D4# as listed in the tuning notes, which is an octave higher than D#3. Achieving D4# from standard D3 would require tuning up 13 semitones, a significant change that typically requires a different string gauge for optimal tension and safety. The 'string_movements' data explicitly indicates a 1 semitone increase from standard D.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from standard G3 to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays E4.

General advice: For string movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down from standard, a different gauge string is generally advised to ensure proper string tension and avoid breakage. For the explicit movements described above based on the 'string_movements' data, all strings are within safe limits for standard strings.