Verbal Analysis:

The 'E Chimeric' tuning is a truly unique and intriguing setup for the guitar, blending elements of drop tunings with a distinctly unconventional upper string arrangement. It offers a sonic landscape that is at once powerful and harmonically complex. The lower three strings provide a solid, resonant E power chord foundation, ideal for heavy riffs and driving rhythms, reminiscent of drop E tunings. However, the upper strings deviate significantly from conventional patterns, creating a sound that is rich with tension and unexpected harmonic possibilities. This tuning invites exploration and will challenge players to discover new voicings and melodic ideas, moving beyond the familiar shapes of standard tuning. It's particularly well-suited for experimental music, jazz fusion, or any style where a unique, open, and slightly dissonant (in a beautiful way) sound is desired. The name 'Chimeric' perfectly reflects its blended, composite nature.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning sets the open strings to E2 B2 E3 G#3 C4 E4. Compared to standard E A D G B E tuning, the lowest string (E2) and highest string (E4) remain unchanged, maintaining the guitar's overall range. The modifications are:

• String 5 is tuned up two semitones from A2 to B2 (a Perfect 5th relative to E2).
• String 4 is tuned up two semitones from D3 to E3 (an Octave relative to E2).
• String 3 is tuned up one semitone from G3 to G#3 (a Major 3rd relative to E2).
• String 2 is tuned up one semitone from B3 to C4 (a Minor 6th relative to E2).

The resulting intervals between the open strings (from low to high) are a Perfect 5th (E2-B2), a Perfect 4th (B2-E3), a Major 3rd (E3-G#3), a Minor 3rd (G#3-C4), and a Major 3rd (C4-E4). This irregular intervallic structure means that traditional chord shapes will not translate directly, requiring a fresh approach to the fretboard.

Open Chords and Accessible Shapes:

The open tuning of E2 B2 E3 G#3 C4 E4 creates a compelling open chord. This can be analyzed as an E Augmented 6th chord (E-G#-B#-C), or more specifically, an E augmented triad with an added minor 6th (E, G#, C). This open voicing provides a rich, somewhat suspended, and colourful sound that can be a great starting point for compositions.

• Power Chords: The bottom three strings (E2 B2 E3) form an E5 power chord. This makes it incredibly easy to play power chords by barring the lowest three strings at any fret, offering a robust foundation for rock and metal genres.
• Upper String Harmonies: The interval of a Major 3rd between the 2nd and 1st strings (C4-E4) makes for easy major third harmonies. The Minor 3rd between the 3rd and 2nd strings (G#3-C4) offers easy access to minor third voicings in that region. Experimenting with two or three-string voicings on the upper strings will yield unique harmonic textures.
• Augmented/Suspended Voicings: The presence of G#, C, and E in the upper strings (G#3 C4 E4) naturally lends itself to exploring augmented or suspended-like harmonies by fretting across these strings.

Due to the unique intervals, standard barre chords will need significant adaptation, encouraging players to think chromatically and discover new, perhaps more open and less conventional, chord shapes.

Open String Notes:

String 6: E2 (Low E)

String 5: B2

String 4: E3

String 3: G#3

String 2: C4

String 1: E4 (High E)

How to Tune:

To achieve the 'E Chimeric' tuning from standard E Standard (E A D G B E), follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E2.
• String 5 (A string): Tune up 2 semitones. Raise from A2 to B2.
• String 4 (D string): Tune up 2 semitones. Raise from D3 to E3.
• String 3 (G string): Tune up 1 semitone. Raise from G3 to G#3.
• String 2 (B string): Tune up 1 semitone. Raise from B3 to C4.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E4.

All string movements are within a safe range (<4 semitones up or down), so a standard string gauge set should be suitable for this tuning. However, always exercise caution when tuning strings up.