Description

This intriguing tuning, which we've named "Open E Major 6th," creates a bright, open, and harmonically rich soundscape. While its origins involved experimentation with potentially dissonant intervals (as noted in its developmental description), the resulting tuning of E-B-C#-E-B-C# is quite harmonious. It naturally forms an E Major 6th chord when all open strings are strummed, offering a resonant foundation that feels both uplifting and full. The strategic repetition of E, B, and C# across multiple octaves lends a bell-like clarity and shimmering sustain, making it exceptionally well-suited for evocative arpeggios, atmospheric textures, and the "nice cluster chords" hinted at in its inspiration.

Chords & Playability

• Open Chords: Strumming all open strings immediately produces a vibrant E Major 6th chord (E2 B2 C#4 E3 B3 C#5). This chord is inherently bright and positive, providing an excellent starting point for composition and improvisation.
• Barred Chords: The uniform structure of this tuning allows for easy transposition. By barring all strings at any given fret, you can effortlessly shift the open E Major 6th chord up the neck, creating new Major 6th chords (e.g., barring at the 1st fret yields F Major 6th, and at the 2nd fret, F# Major 6th).
• Reachable Chords/Techniques: The wide intervals and consonant voicings make this tuning particularly friendly for slide guitar, where smooth glissandos will retain harmonic integrity. Fingerstyle players will find ample opportunity to craft intricate arpeggios, highlighting the clarity of the E, B, and C# notes. Experimenting with partial barres and single-note additions can easily yield chord extensions and variations, adding further harmonic color. Its open and resonant nature also encourages drone playing and sustained melodic lines, facilitating the creation of the "cluster chords" mentioned in its original concept.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Open E Major 6th" tuning, begin from standard EADGBe tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4) and follow these precise adjustments for each string:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune to E2. Keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard E2 position.
• String 5 (A): Tune to B2. This string should be tuned up 2 semitones from its standard A2 position.
• String 4 (D): Tune to C#4. This string should be tuned down 1 semitone from its standard D3 position.
• String 3 (G): Tune to E3. This string should be tuned down 3 semitones from its standard G3 position.
• String 2 (B): Tune to B3. Keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard B3 position.
• String 1 (High E): Tune to C#5. This string should be tuned down 3 semitones from its standard E4 position.

Important Note on String Tension: When making tuning adjustments, especially for strings tuned down 3 semitones (String 3 and String 1), proceed with care. While these movements are generally within safe limits for most standard gauge strings, always monitor the string tension and your instrument's stability. For larger tuning shifts exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is advisable to maintain optimal playability and avoid potential damage to your guitar.

String 6: E2 (Lowest pitch string)

String 5: B2

String 4: C#4

String 3: E3

String 2: B3

String 1: C#5 (Highest pitch string)