This is the iconic "Mayonaise" tuning, famously associated with Smashing Pumpkins and described as "Mayonaise Smashing Pumpkins Mayonaise Smashing Pumpkins". It's a highly distinctive and creative tuning that moves away from standard E Standard, opening up a unique sonic palette.

Verbal Analysis

The tuning's character is immediately noticeable with its unconventional intervals, particularly the unison B2 on both the 5th and 4th strings. This creates a strong, resonant drone effect that forms the backbone of its sound. It's a tuning that encourages open string playing and lends itself to ringing, sustained chords and arpeggios, typical of the Smashing Pumpkins' ethereal and powerful sound.

Because of its unique structure, players will find new voicings and chord shapes naturally presenting themselves. The open strings offer a rich, harmonically complex sound, making simple finger placements capable of producing lush, full chords.

Technical Analysis

The full tuning is E2-B2-B2-G3-B3-D4. Compared to standard E-A-D-G-B-e tuning:

• 6th String (Low E) remains at E2.
• 5th String (A) is tuned up by 2 semitones to B2.
• 4th String (D) is tuned down by 3 semitones to B2, creating a powerful unison with the 5th string.
• 3rd String (G) remains at G3.
• 2nd String (B) remains at B3.
• 1st String (High e) is tuned down by 2 semitones to D4.

The open strings of E-B-B-G-B-D present a complex harmonic cluster. If we consider B as a root, the notes are B (strings 5, 4, 2), D (string 1), E (string 6), G (string 3). This forms a G Major chord (G-B-D) with an added E, which could function as a Gmaj9/B or Gmaj13/B. More simply, it can be viewed as an E minor 7 sus2 (E-G-B-D) played across the open strings, or a B minor sus4 (B-D-E) with an added G. This means that open position chords will frequently have suspended or extended qualities.

Chords that are "within reach" with this tuning include:

• Open G major variants: The G-B-D notes are prominent, allowing for rich G major voicings by simply adding a finger or two.
• B minor/suspended chords: The strong B-D presence makes B minor or B suspended chords (e.g., Bsus4 by adding an E, which is already present) very accessible.
• Power Chords: Basic power chord shapes will need to be adjusted, especially due to the B-B unison on strings 5 and 4. However, this unison can create a massive, resonant low-end sound for power chords rooted on the 6th or 5th string.
• Drone Textures: The repeating B notes make this tuning excellent for creating sustained, ringing drone textures, especially when combined with melodic lines on the higher strings.

Be mindful of the significant string tension changes for strings 5 and 4. Tuning up 2 semitones on the 5th string and down 3 semitones on the 4th string might warrant consideration of string gauges for optimal playability and tension balance, though neither exceeds the +/- 4 semitone threshold where a different gauge is strongly advised.

Tuning Overview (E-B-B-G-B-D)

This section details the final note for each string, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st).

• 6th String: E2
• 5th String: B2
• 4th String: B2
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: D4

How to Tune Your Guitar for Mayonaise

Follow these instructions carefully to achieve the Mayonaise tuning. Tune from the standard E-A-D-G-B-e (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4) tuning.

• 6th String (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A2): Tune up 2 semitones to B2. Take care when tuning up; ensure your string can handle the increased tension.
• 4th String (D3): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• 3rd String (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (E4): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Note: While no individual string change exceeds 4 semitones up or down, the combined adjustments can significantly alter overall string tension. Always tune carefully and consider a fresh set of strings if your current ones are old or if you plan to keep this tuning for an extended period. For drastically different tunings (exceeding +/- 4 semitones), different string gauges are often recommended, though not strictly necessary for this particular tuning.