Verbal Analysis: The "e minor add2" Tuning

This unique tuning presents a fascinating blend of familiar harmony and striking dissonance. While its creator describes it as an "e minor add2", the open strings reveal an E minor triad (E, G, B) at its core, but with some very distinctive twists. The overall sound, when strummed open, will likely feel dark and tense, primarily due to the inclusion of the F4 on the high E string. This F creates a minor second (or minor ninth) interval with the root E, generating a strong, almost bluesy or Eastern-influenced dissonance that can be quite arresting. This isn't your typical sweet "add2" sound (which usually implies a major second or F#).

The tuning's most notable characteristic is the significant drop in pitch for the second string, taking it down a full octave to B2, matching the pitch of the fifth string. This creates a deeply resonant, wide-voiced sound for the E minor components and offers a unique depth not found in standard tunings. It could be excellent for drone-based music, ambient soundscapes, or compositions that lean into its inherent tension and wide intervals. Players might find themselves exploring new chord voicings and melodic possibilities that emerge from these altered relationships.

Technical Analysis: Decoding the Open Strings

• Open String Notes: E2 B2 E3 G3 B2 F4 (from low to high).
• Root and Harmony: The tuning is clearly centered around E, featuring the root (E2, E3), minor third (G3), and perfect fifth (B2). This establishes a strong E minor tonality.
• Dissonance: The most prominent feature is the F4 on the first string, which forms a minor ninth (or minor second) interval with the E root. This creates a highly dissonant, yet potentially very expressive, character.
• Interval Spacing:
  • E2 (Low E) - B2 (A string): Perfect Fifth
  • B2 (A string) - E3 (D string): Perfect Fourth
  • E3 (D string) - G3 (G string): Minor Third
  • G3 (G string) - B2 (B string): Descending Major Sixth (or ascending Minor Third from B to G). Note the B2 is an octave lower than standard.
  • B2 (B string) - F4 (High E string): Augmented Fourth (Tritone). This is a very unstable interval.
• Duplication: Unusually, the second string (B2) is tuned to the exact same pitch as the fifth string (B2). This creates a thick, resonant sound in this register.
• Potential Chords/Voicings:
  • Open E minor with b9: Strumming all strings will yield a powerful E minor chord with an added F, creating a strong minor ninth tension. This isn't an "add2" (which would typically be F#).
  • Drones and Pedals: The repeated B2s and the strong E minor base make it excellent for creating drones.
  • Dissonant Leads: The F4 against the E root offers a strong foundation for melodic lines that explore tension and release.
  • Open Voicings: The wide interval created by the low B2 on the second string encourages open, spread-out chord voicings, especially for E minor-based chords.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "e minor add2" tuning, follow these precise string adjustments. Please note that significant changes in pitch, particularly the -12 semitones on the B string, may require a heavier gauge string to maintain proper tension and intonation, and to prevent string breakage. Always tune carefully and gradually.

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: E2.
• String 5 (A String): Tune up 2 semitones from A2. Target Note: B2.
• String 4 (D String): Tune up 2 semitones from D3. Target Note: E3.
• String 3 (G String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: G3.
• String 2 (B String): Tune down 12 semitones from B3. Target Note: B2. Caution: Tuning down a full octave like this is a very substantial change and may require a much thicker string gauge to avoid a floppy, unplayable string and ensure good tone. Exceeding -4 semitones generally advises a different string gauge.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 1 semitone from E4. Target Note: F4.

Remember to check your guitar's intonation after making such significant tuning changes.

String 6: E2 (Low E string)
String 5: B2
String 4: E3
String 3: G3
String 2: B2
String 1: F4 (High E string)