Tuning Analysis: Eddie (For Heartbeats)

The 'Eddie' tuning for guitar, aptly described as being 'For Heartbeats,' is a distinctive and rich open tuning that ventures significantly from standard EADGBe. It offers a unique sonic palette, creating a complex and resonant open chord that can inspire new melodic and harmonic ideas.

Technical Analysis:

In standard tuning, the guitar strings are E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4. The 'Eddie' tuning reconfigures these to E2-B2-F#4-D3-A3-D4.

• The low E string (6th) remains at E2, providing a familiar anchor point.
• The A string (5th) is tuned up a major second to B2.
• The D string (4th) is tuned up a major third to F#4. This is a significant ascent, making the string quite taut.
• The G string (3rd) is tuned down a perfect fourth to D3, bringing it into a lower register.
• The B string (2nd) is tuned down a major second to A3.
• The high E string (1st) is tuned down a major second to D4.

When strummed open, this tuning produces a complex chord with the notes E-B-F#-D-A-D. This can be interpreted as an E11(no 3rd) or an E9sus4(add11), creating a full, ethereal, and somewhat melancholic sound that perfectly fits the 'Heartbeats' description. The top four strings (F#4-D3-A3-D4) resonate as a clear D Major chord (D-A-D-F#), offering a bright contrast to the low E bass. This combination allows for both powerful, open D-based voicings and intricate, extended E-based harmony.

The substantial alterations to most strings suggest a departure from conventional playing, encouraging exploration of new chord shapes and melodic patterns that emerge from this unique interval structure.

How to Tune:

To achieve the 'Eddie' tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 4 semitones to F#4. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant increase in tension. Consider using a lighter gauge string for this position to avoid breakage or damage to your instrument.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones will significantly decrease string tension. If returning to standard tuning often, a heavier gauge string might be beneficial for this position to maintain playability.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Low E String (6th): E2

A String (5th): B2

D String (4th): F#4

G String (3rd): D3

B String (2nd): A3

High E String (1st): D4