Description: EAEGBD Tuning

The EAEGBD tuning, as succinctly put by its creator, "just thinks it sounds nice!" and we couldn't agree more. This custom guitar tuning offers a unique sonic landscape, diverging from standard EADGBE to create a rich, resonant, and often melancholic character. It's particularly well-suited for open, droning sounds, and fingerstyle arrangements where its distinctive voicings can truly shine.

Technical Analysis

Compared to standard tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4), the EAEGBD setup modifies two key strings:

• The 4th string (D3) is raised a whole step (2 semitones) to E3, creating an octave unison with the 6th string (E2). This provides a powerful, fundamental E drone.
• The 1st string (E4) is lowered a whole step (2 semitones) to D4, introducing a minor seventh interval relative to the low E root, and contributing to the tuning's characteristic mood.

The resulting open string notes are E2 A2 E3 G3 B3 D4.

Open Chord Voicings & Creative Potential

The most striking feature of EAEGBD is its open string chord. Played open, the tuning immediately presents a full, complex E minor 7th chord with an added 4th (A), often referred to as an E minor 11th (without the 9th).

• E (Root): Provided by the 6th string (E2) and 4th string (E3).
• A (4th/11th): On the 5th string (A2).
• G (minor 3rd): On the 3rd string (G3).
• B (5th): On the 2nd string (B3).
• D (minor 7th): On the 1st string (D4).

This rich open voicing lends itself beautifully to genres requiring atmospheric or moody textures, such as folk, alternative rock, blues, or ambient music. The unison E notes on the 6th and 4th strings facilitate easy power chords and droning techniques. Many standard chord shapes will need to be re-learned or adapted, but new, interesting voicings will emerge, particularly around the E minor and A minor families, and D major/minor related chords due to the high D. The lowered high string also encourages deeper, more resonant melodies.

How to Tune: EAEGBD

To achieve the EAEGBD tuning from standard EADGBE, follow these precise string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to E2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 2 semitones from D3 to E3. Exercise caution when tuning up. While 2 semitones is generally safe for standard gauge strings, always tune slowly and check string tension.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Please note: For tunings that require movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is generally recommended to consider using a different string gauge to ensure optimal playability and string longevity. For this tuning, the 2 semitone adjustments are typically manageable with standard string sets.

6th String: E2 (Low E)
5th String: A2
4th String: E3
3rd String: G3
2nd String: B3
1st String: D4 (High D)