This unique guitar tuning, which we've named "Open E Minor Six," creates a rich, resonant Em6 chord when strummed open. The creator describes it as a "random thing put together" without "any known songs," highlighting its potential as a fresh canvas for musical exploration.

Verbal Analysis

The overall feel of this tuning is one of introspection and depth, leaning towards a melancholic yet intriguing soundscape. The strong foundation of E, G, and B across the lower and middle strings provides a solid E minor tonality, while the distinctive C5# on the high string adds a surprising twist. This C# acts as the major sixth of E, introducing a sophisticated, slightly jazzy, or even modal quality (like a Dorian minor). It invites creative voicings and melodic ideas that might not be readily available in standard tunings.

Technical Analysis

The tuning notes are E2-B2-E3-G3-B3-C5#. Breaking down the intervals from the lowest E string (E2):

• String 6: E2 (Root)
• String 5: B2 (Perfect Fifth)
• String 4: E3 (Octave of the Root)
• String 3: G3 (Minor Third)
• String 2: B3 (Octave of the Perfect Fifth)
• String 1: C5# (Major Sixth)

This arrangement directly spells out an E minor 6th chord (E-G-B-C#) across the open strings, making it an excellent open chord tuning. The strategic repetition of E and B notes reinforces the root and fifth, providing a powerful harmonic base.

Chordal Possibilities with Open Tuning

• Open Em6: Strumming all strings produces a full and rich E minor 6th chord, making it ideal for drone-based music or folk styles.
• Power Chords: The E-B-E configuration on the lowest three strings (6, 5, 4) facilitates easy two or three-string power chords by barring across any fret. For example, a single finger across the 2nd fret on strings 6, 5, and 4 would yield an F# power chord.
• Implied G Major: By avoiding the low E string and focusing on strings 5 through 2 (B2-E3-G3-B3), you can create voicings that strongly imply G Major (G-B-D-E). A simple bar at the 2nd fret on strings 5, 4, 3, 2 could create an A minor sound.
• Dorian and Minor Melodies: The presence of the C# (major 6th) over the E minor harmony naturally lends itself to melodies and chord progressions with a Dorian mode flavor, adding a brighter, more expansive feel compared to a pure natural minor.
• Suspended Chords: The intervals can also lend themselves to suspended chords by shifting fingers slightly, particularly around the B (5th) and E (root/octave) notes.

Here are the specific notes for each string in this tuning:

• String 6 (Low E): E2
• String 5 (A): B2
• String 4 (D): E3
• String 3 (G): G3
• String 2 (B): B3
• String 1 (High E): C5#

How to Tune

To achieve this tuning, start from standard EADGBe tuning and follow these adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E to E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is E2.
• String 5 (A to B2): Tune up 2 semitones. The target note is B2.
• String 4 (D to E3): Tune up 2 semitones. The target note is E3.
• String 3 (G to G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is G3.
• String 2 (B to B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is B3.
• String 1 (High E to C5#): Tune down 3 semitones. The target note is C5#.

Important Note on String Gauge: When tuning strings significantly (generally exceeding -4 or +4 semitones from their standard pitch), it is advisable to consider a different gauge string to ensure proper tension, intonation, and string longevity. While most movements here are within a safe range, tuning String 1 down 3 semitones to a target note of C5# (which is an octave higher than the expected C#4 from a standard E4 down 3 semitones) suggests a potentially custom or unusually light gauge string might be intended for optimal performance, or that a very high initial pitch (e.g., F#5) is being referenced for the 'down 3 semitones' instruction. Always exercise caution and listen to your guitar when making changes, especially with higher strings and significant pitch alterations.