The EBEF#BD# tuning is a captivating and unique open tuning, perfectly suited for players seeking an adventurous sonic palette. As suggested by its original description, it indeed has a "rad" quality, reminiscent of the intricate, ringing soundscapes often explored by bands like American Football. This tuning encourages a creative approach to songwriting, moving beyond conventional chord shapes to reveal rich, resonant harmonies and melodic opportunities ideal for arpeggiated patterns, ambient textures, and expressive fingerstyle.

Technical Analysis

The open notes of this tuning are E2 B2 E3 F#4 B3 D#5 (from low E to high E string). When arranged in ascending pitch, the notes are E2, B2, E3, B3, F#4, D#5.

• This tuning establishes a strong foundation in E and B, with E2, B2, E3, and B3 providing root and fifth intervals across the lower-middle strings.
• The presence of F#4 (a major 9th from E) and D#5 (a major 7th from E) suggests an Emaj7(add9) tonality without the explicit major third (G#). This creates an open, ethereal, and somewhat ambiguous harmony that can sound both melancholic and bright.
• A distinctive feature is the 3rd string (F#4) being pitched higher than the 2nd string (B3). This non-linear arrangement is common in experimental tunings and opens up unique melodic and voicing possibilities not found in standard tuning.
• The intervals between consecutive strings are: Perfect 5th (E2-B2), Perfect 4th (B2-E3), Major 2nd (E3-F#4), Descending Perfect 4th (F#4-B3), Major 3rd (B3-D#5).

Chordal Opportunities

• Open E Power Chord: The lowest three strings (E2-B2-E3) form a robust E power chord, providing a powerful and resonant base for riffs and rhythmic passages.
• Open B Major Triad: By playing the 2nd, 1st, and 3rd strings (B3, D#5, F#4 respectively), you effectively get an open B Major triad (B-D#-F#). This bright chord can ring beautifully against the lower E foundation.
• Extended Harmonies: The overall open tuning encourages voicings with suspended (sus2, sus4) and extended chords, allowing for lush, complex harmonies with minimal fretting. The absence of a G# on an open string means the full E Major triad requires some fretting, leading to a more open-ended and atmospheric sound when strummed openly.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the EBEF#BD# tuning, you'll need to adjust several strings from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). Please refer to the specific instructions below. Always tune carefully and gently.

Important Note on String Gauges: If a string needs to be tuned up or down by more than 4 semitones (e.g., -5 or +5 semitones), it's generally advised to use a different string gauge to avoid excessive tension or slack and potential string breakage or poor intonation. For this specific tuning, all movements are within a safe range for standard gauge strings.

1. String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
2. String 5 (A String): Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
3. String 4 (D String): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
4. String 3 (G String): Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
5. String 2 (B String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
6. String 1 (High E String): Tune down 1 semitone to D#5.

Detailed breakdown of each string's role in the EBEF#BD# tuning:

• String 6 (E2): Kept at its standard low E pitch, it serves as the foundational root of the tuning, providing a deep, resonant base.
• String 5 (B2): Tuned up a major second from A, this string forms a perfect fifth with the low E, adding harmonic depth and stability to the base.
• String 4 (E3): Tuned up a major second from D, it complements the low E, creating an open E octave and enhancing the fundamental root's presence.
• String 3 (F#4): Tuned down a semitone from G, this string introduces a bright major second (or ninth) above the E root, adding complexity and sparkle to the overall harmony. Note its unique position being higher in pitch than the 2nd string.
• String 2 (B3): Remaining at its standard B pitch, this string provides another perfect fifth relative to E and forms an octave with the 5th string B2, reinforcing the B presence.
• String 1 (D#5): Tuned down a semitone from high E, this string delivers the crucial major seventh of E, contributing to the tuning's distinct, extended harmonic character and forming a major third with the 2nd string B3.