Dive into the unique sonic landscape of the Open E/G Minor Hybrid tuning, a creation inspired by the innovative slide guitar stylings of Justin Johnson. This tuning is designed to unlock a rich palette of sounds, particularly well-suited for blues, slide, and genres that thrive on harmonic tension and expressive voicings. It's an adventurous deviation from standard tuning, offering both familiar harmonic anchors and intriguing dissonances that beckon creative exploration.

Technical Analysis

This hybrid tuning presents a fascinating harmonic structure. When strummed open, the notes are E2, B2, E3, G3, A#4 (enharmonically Bb4), and D4. This unique combination creates a dual harmonic personality:

• Open E Minor Foundation: The lower strings (E2, B2, E3, G3) clearly outline an E minor chord (E-G-B). This provides a strong, familiar minor tonality at the base, excellent for deep, resonant sounds often found in blues and roots music.
• G Minor Tension/Color: The upper strings (G3, A#4/Bb4, D4) beautifully form a G minor triad (G-Bb-D). This means that a G minor chord is readily available just by strumming the top three strings. When combined with the lower E minor foundation, the tuning introduces a sophisticated tension. The full open tuning, E2, B2, E3, G3, A#4 (Bb4), D4, collectively spells out an E half-diminished 7th chord (E-G-Bb-D). This chord is also known as E minor 7 flat 5, renowned for its use in jazz, blues, and creating a sense of drama and unresolved tension.

This dual nature makes the tuning incredibly versatile for a variety of styles:

• Blues and Slide Playing: The open E minor foundation is fantastic for traditional blues. The half-diminished quality (E-G-Bb-D) can be exceptionally effective for dramatic intros, turnarounds, and providing a 'darker,' more sophisticated bluesy edge, especially when played with a slide.
• Jazz and Fusion: The inherent complexity of the E half-diminished 7th chord makes it a superb starting point for jazz voicings and chord-melody arrangements, offering rich harmonic possibilities.
• Modal Explorations: This tuning could facilitate exploration of modes that feature a diminished fifth, such as Locrian or Phrygian dominant, or for creating rich dissonant harmonies and textures.

Due to the open E minor 7 (b5) chord and the embedded G minor, common minor chords (E minor, G minor, C minor) and dominant chords (especially those leading to E minor or G minor) will find natural resonance. Sliding into or out of the open chord will feel particularly fluid and expressive, offering a wide sonic palette for experimental and emotive playing.

Tuning Notes Overview

Here are the specific notes for each string in this Open E/G Minor Hybrid tuning:

• 6th String (Low E): E2
• 5th String (A): B2
• 4th String (D): E3
• 3rd String (G): G3
• 2nd String (B): A#4
• 1st String (High E): D4

How to Tune

To achieve the Open E/G Minor Hybrid tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string movements. Always tune carefully and incrementally.

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones from its standard A2 to B2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 2 semitones from its standard D3 to E3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone from its standard B4 to A#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard E4 to D4.

Important Tuning Note: While none of the string movements in this tuning exceed the recommended safe range of 4 semitones up or down, it's always advisable to exercise caution when adjusting string tension. For tunings involving larger semitone adjustments (more than 4 semitones in either direction), consider using a different gauge string set specifically designed for higher or lower tensions to prevent potential damage to your instrument or strings.