Tuning Analysis: Open E Major

This unique tuning, which we've named Open E Major, transforms your guitar into a resonant E Major chord with a single strum. It's often favored for slide guitar, creating lush, full-bodied drones, or for songs that build on a bright, uplifting sonic foundation. This specific tuning is noted as being used for a cover song (see original description: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYy-YfTPYMw).

Verbal Description

Upon first strum, Open E Major offers an immediate sense of grandeur and openness. The multiple octaves of E and B, combined with the prominent G# in the upper register, create a shimmering, full chord that is both powerful and harmonious. It's a tuning that invites exploration with a slide, where melodies can effortlessly glide over the rich drone. Fingerstyle players will find new harmonic possibilities, and even simple strumming will yield a professionally produced sound, evoking feelings of blues, folk, and classic rock. The overall feel is bright, vibrant, and incredibly inspiring.

Technical Analysis

The open strings of this tuning are arranged as E2 B2 E3 B3 G#4 E4. This configuration forms a complete E Major chord across all six strings. The interval structure from the lowest E is: Root (E), Perfect 5th (B), Octave Root (E), Octave Perfect 5th (B), Major 3rd (G#), and another Octave Root (E). This provides a very stable and harmonically rich foundation.

Chords within Reach:

• Open E Major: The tuning itself is an E Major chord, making it instantly accessible and perfect for drone-based music.
• Barre Chords: By simply barring all strings at any fret, you can easily play other major chords (e.g., 1st fret for F Major, 2nd fret for F# Major, 3rd fret for G Major, and so on).
• Suspended Chords: Experimenting with single-finger additions can create interesting suspended or extended harmonies due to the natural resonance of the open strings.
• Minor Chords: With the G# string being the major third, altering this string (e.g., fretting it down to G natural) can quickly convert the chord into E minor, opening up further harmonic possibilities.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open E Major

Please be mindful of string tension when tuning. For string movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different gauge string is generally advised for optimal playability and string longevity. Always tune carefully and gradually.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 0 semitones. Keep as is; no change from standard E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones from A to B2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 2 semitones from D to E3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 4 semitones from G to B3. (Note: Tuning up 4 semitones is at the upper limit of typical tension. While often acceptable, consider a lighter gauge string if you experience issues or frequent tuning changes.)
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 3 semitones from B to G#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 0 semitones. Keep as is; no change from standard E4.

String 6 (Low E): Tuned to E2. This string maintains its standard pitch, providing a deep, resonant foundation for the E Major chord.

String 5 (A): Tuned to B2. Raised two semitones from its standard A, this string contributes the perfect fifth, adding depth and harmony.

String 4 (D): Tuned to E3. Elevated two semitones from its standard D, this string doubles the root note an octave higher, reinforcing the E tonality.

String 3 (G): Tuned to B3. Significantly raised four semitones from its standard G, this string provides another perfect fifth, brightening the overall sound.

String 2 (B): Tuned to G#4. Lowered three semitones from its standard B, this crucial string establishes the major third of the E chord, defining its bright character.

String 1 (High E): Tuned to E4. This string remains at its standard pitch, completing the E Major chord with a sparkling high root note.