Verbal Analysis: The Echoing Majesties

This unique tuning, aptly named "7Majs on 4th string," immediately evokes a sense of grandeur and depth. As described, it promises "Majestic chords ahead," and indeed, the open string configuration E-A-E-G-B-B creates a rich, full sound. The lower register, with the E-A-E strings, provides a powerful and resonant foundation, hinting at the potential for strong, driving rhythms. The unison B-B on the higher strings acts as a beautiful drone or echo, adding a shimmering quality to melodies and chords, giving that desired "certain echo" feel. This tuning encourages exploration beyond standard voicings, leading to sounds that are both familiar in their underlying harmonies and exotic in their presentation. The reference to "7majs and 6 respectively Echos six and sevens" suggests a sonic landscape where these harmonic intervals resonate prominently, offering new sonic textures and chordal possibilities.

Technical Analysis: EAEGBB - A Minor Add 11 Landscape

Starting from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, this tuning makes two significant alterations while keeping others standard. The 4th string (standard D3) is tuned up 2 semitones to E3, creating an octave with the low 6th string (E2) and a perfect 4th with the 5th string (A2). This establishes a robust E power chord (E-A-E) across the bottom three strings. The most dramatic change occurs on the 1st string (standard high E4), which is tuned down 5 semitones to B3, resulting in a unison with the 2nd string (B3). The final open notes are E2-A2-E3-G3-B3-B3. This ensemble of notes (E, A, G, B) forms an E minor (E-G-B) chord with an added A (the 4th or 11th) and octave E, plus a doubled B. This combination gives the tuning its characteristic melancholic, yet open and 'majestic' sound, offering a unique sonic palette.

Open Chord Possibilities and Shapes: Harmonious Drones and Movable Voicings

• The full open tuning E-A-E-G-B-B creates an E minor (add11) chord, offering a rich, expansive sound that is both somber and reflective.
• The lowest three strings (E-A-E) naturally form a powerful E power chord, ideal for heavy riffs, drone notes, or a solid rhythmic anchor.
• The unison B strings (B3, B3) on the top create a beautiful drone or chorus effect, enhancing sustain and adding a shimmering texture, especially useful for melodic work or ambient soundscapes.
• With the specific intervals, simple barring techniques can yield interesting chords. For example, barring all strings at the 3rd fret will produce a G minor (add4) chord (G-C-G-Bb-D-D), providing an easily accessible alternate minor tonality.
• The inherent structure, particularly the E on the 4th string and the unison B strings, facilitates the discovery of unique voicings for major 7th and 6th chords with minimal fretting, as suggested by the tuning's original description, allowing for 'six and sevens' to echo with new shapes and sounds, especially for chords rooted on E or A leveraging the open strings as drones or extensions.

How to Tune (Standard EADGBe Reference)

• 6th String (Low E): Tune to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from standard E.
• 5th String (A): Tune to A2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from standard A.
• 4th String (D): Tune to E3. Tune up 2 semitones from standard D. (This is a moderate change, generally safe for standard string gauges.)
• 3rd String (G): Tune to G3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from standard G.
• 2nd String (B): Tune to B3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from standard B.
• 1st String (High E): Tune to B3. Tune down 5 semitones from standard E. (This is a significant drop. For optimal tone and string tension, considering a slightly heavier gauge string for the 1st string is advised if this tuning is used frequently.)

General Recommendation: When tuning strings up or down by 4 or more semitones, it is generally recommended to consider using a different string gauge to maintain proper tension, intonation, and string life. Tuning up significantly can increase the risk of string breakage, while tuning down significantly can make the string feel too loose or floppy.