Verbal & Technical Analysis: The One With The Wurlitzer

This intriguing tuning, aptly named "The One With The Wurlitzer" and famously associated with the band American Football, conjures a distinctive, ethereal soundscape. It's a tuning that moves beyond standard EADGBe to create open, resonant qualities, perfect for shimmering arpeggios and intricate melodic lines, characteristic of the band's introspective style.

Technically, the open strings are tuned to E2 B2 D4# G4# B3 E4. A detailed analysis reveals a rich, extended harmonic structure. The notes E, G#, B, and D# collectively form an E Major 7th chord. With the lowest E and B serving as a deep foundation, and the D4#, G4#, B, and E scattered across higher octaves, this tuning presents a beautifully voiced open Emaj7 chord with a wide, expansive spread. The significant octave displacement, particularly of the D# and G# to higher registers, creates a bright, almost piano-like resonance, giving it a unique character reminiscent of a Wurlitzer electric piano. This makes it ideally suited for intricate fingerpicking, ambient textures, and melodic exploration that capitalizes on its inherent harmonic content.

The open Emaj7 chord provides an immediate and inspiring harmonic foundation. Its nature makes it straightforward to transpose: simply barring all strings at any fret will yield the corresponding Major 7th chord (e.g., barring at the 1st fret creates an Fmaj7). The close voicings between strings, such as the G4# and B3, facilitate the creation of melodic fragments, suspended chords, and drone effects, especially when combined with the low E and B. This tuning encourages experimentation with inversions and partial voicings, making it a rich canvas for atmospheric and emotionally resonant compositions.

How to Tune 'The One With The Wurlitzer' from Standard Tuning

To achieve 'The One With The Wurlitzer' tuning, adjust your guitar strings as follows:

• 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 D4#. Tune up 1 semitones.
• String 3 (G): Tune to G4#. Tune up 1 semitones.
• String 2 (B): Tune to B3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E): Tune to E4. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Please exercise caution when adjusting string tension. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down (e.g., +5 or -5 semitones), a different gauge string is generally advised to ensure string integrity and proper tension.

String 6: E2 (Low E string)

String 5: B2

String 4: D4#

String 3: G4#

String 2: B3

String 1: E4 (High E string)