Tuning Overview

The "Slow Circle Tuning," popularized by the acoustic fingerstyle master Alex De Grassi, is a unique and evocative open tuning designed to create rich, resonant soundscapes. This tuning, E-B-E-G-A-D (from low to high), departs significantly from standard EADGBe, offering a distinct harmonic palette particularly suited for intricate melodic work and drone-based compositions, as featured in pieces like De Grassi's "Slow Circle."

Technical Analysis

• Open String Voicing: The open strings E2 B2 E3 G3 A3 D4 form a complex chord, most closely resembling an E minor 7th with an added 4th (E-G-B-D-A). This provides a rich, slightly melancholic, yet expansive foundation. The repeated E notes (low E and 4th string E) create a powerful, sustained drone, a hallmark of many open tunings, adding depth and resonance to the sound.
• Interval Relationships:
  • Low E to B (String 6 to 5): A perfect 5th (7 semitones).
  • B to E (String 5 to 4): A perfect 4th (5 semitones).
  • E to G (String 4 to 3): A minor 3rd (3 semitones).
  • G to A (String 3 to 2): A major 2nd (2 semitones).
  • A to D (String 2 to 1): A perfect 4th (5 semitones).
  These intervals foster interesting harmonic possibilities. The presence of the minor 3rd (E-G) on strings 4 and 3 immediately suggests an E minor tonality for open chord voicings. The consecutive perfect 4ths (B-E and A-D) on strings 5-4 and 2-1 offer familiar shapes for various chord inversions and facilitate drone possibilities.
• Chordal Opportunities:
  • E minor family: Open E minor triads (E-G-B) are readily available by simply strumming strings 6, 5, 4, and 3. Adding the A (string 2) and D (string 1) creates rich E minor 7th or E minor 11th voicings, providing a full, resonant sound with minimal effort.
  • Drone Chords: The dual E notes (strings 6 and 4) make for powerful drone chords, allowing melodies and harmonies to unfold over a sustained E bass. Simple one or two-finger fretting can yield interesting sustained chords and modal textures.
  • Open Voicings: Chords like A minor (A-C-E) and D major/minor can be easily accessed with minimal fretting, often leveraging the open A and D strings. The structure lends itself to open string harmonies, where a single finger can fret across multiple strings to create complex and ringing chords.
  • Sus Chords: The perfect 4ths between strings 5-4 and 2-1 make suspended chords (e.g., Esus4, Asus4) particularly resonant and easy to finger, adding a shimmering quality to progressions.
• String Tension Considerations: Most strings remain relatively close to standard tuning. String 5 (A to B) and String 4 (D to E) are tuned up by 2 semitones. String 2 (B to A) and String 1 (E to D) are tuned down by 2 semitones. All these movements are well within comfortable limits for standard string gauges. No string exceeds the recommended +/- 4 semitone threshold, meaning a standard set of strings should handle this tuning well without excessive tension or looseness, minimizing the risk of string breakage or intonation issues.

This tuning encourages experimentation, leading players away from conventional chord shapes and towards new melodic and harmonic ideas. It's particularly well-suited for fingerstyle arrangements where individual string voices can shine, allowing for complex counterpoint and lush textures.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Slow Circle Tuning (EBEGAD)

Follow these instructions to change your guitar from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning to the E-B-E-G-A-D tuning. Pay close attention to the direction and number of semitones for each string.

It is always recommended to tune carefully and check string tension, especially when tuning strings up. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, consider using a different gauge string.

• String 6 (Low E): From standard E2, keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: E2.
• String 5 (A String): From standard A2, tune up 2 semitones to B2. Target Note: B2.
• String 4 (D String): From standard D3, tune up 2 semitones to E3. Target Note: E3.
• String 3 (G String): From standard G3, keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: G3.
• String 2 (B String): From standard B3, tune down 2 semitones to A3. Target Note: A3.
• String 1 (High E): From standard E4, tune down 2 semitones to D4. Target Note: D4.

Note: All string movements for this tuning are within safe limits for a standard gauge string set. However, always exercise caution when tuning up.