Tuning Analysis: Mayonnaise in E

Verbal Analysis

The 'Mayonnaise in E' tuning, as described, is a unique configuration that is 'Mayonnaise tuning raised up a half-step'. This distinctive setup creates a rich and somewhat unconventional sonic palette for the guitar. When strummed open, the tuning forms an E Minor Major 7th chord (E-G-B-D#), a sophisticated and often emotionally resonant harmony. This chord type can evoke feelings ranging from dark and mysterious to lush and jazzy, making it ideal for experimental, ambient, or progressive music styles.

A prominent feature is the unison B note on strings 5 and 4 (both B2). This doubling of the perfect fifth relative to the root E provides a strong, sustained drone and a solid harmonic foundation. This allows for clear, ringing overtones and a powerful low-end presence, while offering interesting melodic possibilities on the higher strings. The repeating B notes also create opportunities for easy octaves or unison bends, adding textural depth to chords and riffs.

The inclusion of the G (minor third) and D# (major seventh) in the open tuning makes it particularly expressive. It naturally lends itself to exploring minor tonalities while the D# provides a strong leading tone back to E, or can be used for dissonant, colorful extensions. Basic power chords based on E (E-B-B on the lowest strings) are easily accessible, offering a robust rhythmic backbone. This tuning invites creative exploration, pushing beyond standard chord shapes and opening doors to fresh harmonic and melodic ideas.

Technical Analysis

• String 6 (E2): The lowest string sets the root of the open chord, providing a deep, resonant E.
• String 5 (B2): Tuned to a perfect fifth above the root (E), this B adds harmonic stability and a rich overtone.
• String 4 (B2): Also tuned to a perfect fifth (B), creating a unison with String 5. This strengthens the fifth and allows for unique voicing by fretting both strings at the same position.
• String 3 (G3): Tuned to a minor third relative to the root E, which establishes the minor quality of the open E minor major 7th chord.
• String 2 (B3): An octave above String 5 and 4's B, reinforcing the dominant fifth and adding brightness to the chord voicing.
• String 1 (D5#): Tuned to a major seventh above the root E. This D# is crucial for forming the distinctive E minor major 7th (EmM7) harmony when all strings are played open, adding a characteristic tension and color.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Mayonnaise in E' tuning, please follow these instructions carefully. Generally, tuning up 3 or 4 semitones requires caution due to increased string tension. However, none of the individual string movements described below exceed 4 semitones, so standard string gauges should generally be suitable, but always exercise care when adjusting string tension.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A): Tune to B2. Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D): Tune to B2. Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 3 (G): Tune to G3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B): Tune to B3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E): Tune to D5#. Tune down 1 semitone.

The open notes for the 'Mayonnaise in E' tuning are as follows (from lowest to highest string):

• String 6: E2
• String 5: B2
• String 4: B2
• String 3: G3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: D5#