This unique tuning, which we've named "Open EmMaj7 Drop," presents a rich and complex sonic landscape. The original creator described it as "made it up, sounds nice when using top strings," and indeed, the upper register of this tuning offers a bright and resonant quality perfect for melodic exploration and fingerstyle playing.

Verbal Analysis

Unveiling a truly expressive character, "Open EmMaj7 Drop" immediately evokes a sense of introspection and melancholic beauty. The open strings resonate together to form a rich, slightly ethereal chord, providing an excellent foundation for ambient textures, ballads, and film scores. The voicing on the higher strings particularly shines, making it ideal for delicate arpeggios, sparkling harmonics, and lead melodies that cut through a mix. Players might find themselves gravitating towards lyrical passages and open-string drones, utilizing the inherent tension and release offered by the unique intervals.

Technical Analysis

The full open string tuning, as provided in the tuning notes, is E2 B2 D4# G3 B3 E4 (from low E to high E). Let's break down the intervals relative to the root E:

• 6th String (E2): The root, providing a strong, foundational bass note.
• 5th String (B2): A perfect fifth above the root, reinforcing the E minor harmony.
• 4th String (D4#): This is the most striking and defining note. It's a Major 7th (D#) above the root E. Crucially, as D4#, it is placed two octaves higher than the 5th string (B2) and one octave higher than a standard 4th string (D3) tuned up 1 semitone (which would be D#3). This creates an E minor Major 7th (Em(maj7)) chord. This interval is responsible for the tuning's distinctive, often bittersweet or sophisticated, character. Tuning a standard D3 string up to D4# (13 semitones) is not advisable due to extreme tension and risk of string breakage; achieving D4# would typically require a much lighter gauge string or an octave pedal.
• 3rd String (G3): The minor third, confirming the minor quality of the E chord.
• 2nd String (B3): Another perfect fifth, further strengthening the E minor harmony and adding body to the higher register.
• 1st String (E4): The octave of the root, providing sparkle and a high melodic anchor.

This tuning predominantly creates an E minor Major 7th (Em(maj7) or Em∆7) chord on open strings (E - G - B - D#). The presence of the D# (Major 7th) is crucial, as it deviates from a typical "Em11" (which would require a D natural (minor 7th) and an A (11th)). The high D4# on the 4th string, in particular, contributes to the "nice sound on top strings" and offers unique harmonic possibilities.

Open Chord Possibilities & Reach

• Open Em(maj7): The tuning itself is this rich, complex chord. It's ready-made for lush arpeggios, fingerpicking patterns, and as a drone.
• Minor Chords: By simply barring across all strings at any fret, you can easily transpose the Em(maj7) chord up the neck, maintaining its unique voicing. For example, barring at the 3rd fret would yield Gm(maj7).
• Sus2/Sus4 Chords: Modifying the 3rd string (G) to an F# or A could create different suspended voicings, but this tuning is particularly strong for its Em(maj7) character.
• Melodic Opportunities: The distinct intervals between the B2, D4#, G3, B3, and E4 strings encourage melodic phrasing that utilizes these open notes as a backdrop. Hammer-ons and pull-offs around these open strings will sound particularly resonant.

How to Tune to Open EmMaj7 Drop

To achieve the "Open EmMaj7 Drop" tuning, you will adjust your guitar strings from standard EADGBe tuning. Please follow these instructions carefully. Remember to tune slowly and check your intonation.

• 6th String (Low E)

  Standard Note: E2

  Movement: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your 6th string remains at E2.

• 5th String (A)

  Standard Note: A2

  Movement: Tune up 2 semitones. Adjust your 5th string from A2 up to B2.

• 4th String (D)

  Standard Note: D3

  Movement: Tune up 1 semitone. Adjust your 4th string from D3 up to D#3. Please note: The target note specified in the tuning notes (D4#) is an octave higher than the D#3 achieved by this 1-semitone movement. Tuning a standard D3 string up by 13 semitones to reach D4# is extremely dangerous and could break your string or damage your guitar. If D4# is your intended target, a very light gauge string specifically designed for such high tension, or an alternative method (like an octave pedal), would be necessary. For safety and consistency with the provided movement data, we advise tuning to D#3 for this string, which is a safe 1-semitone increase.

• 3rd String (G)

  Standard Note: G3

  Movement: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your 3rd string remains at G3.

• 2nd String (B)

  Standard Note: B3

  Movement: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your 2nd string remains at B3.

• 1st String (High E)

  Standard Note: E4

  Movement: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your 1st string remains at E4.

Caution for String Tension: Tuning changes of 4 semitones or more (up or down) can place unusual stress on your guitar neck and strings. While most movements in this tuning are minor, the note D4# for the 4th string, if truly desired from a D3 string, would require an extreme upward tension increase (13 semitones). Always exercise caution and consider a different string gauge or alternative approaches for significant pitch changes.