This unique tuning, attributed to Justin McKean, is designed for fingerstyle playing and creates a remarkably bright and resonant sound, akin to a Nashville-strung guitar but across an Open E framework.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, this is an Open E tuning, but with a distinctive twist: several strings are tuned to very high octaves. This results in an incredibly shimmering and bell-like quality when strummed open, almost ethereal. It feels expansive and bright, lending itself beautifully to intricate fingerpicking patterns where individual notes can cut through with clarity. The open strum immediately presents a rich Eadd9 chord, making it perfect for droning, melodic motifs, and a full, resonant sound without fretting.

Technical Analysis

The tuning notes are E2 B2 F#4 G#4 B3 F#5 (low to high string). Analyzing these notes reveals an Eadd9 chord: E (root), B (perfect fifth), F# (major ninth), G# (major third), B (perfect fifth), and F# (major ninth). The open strings collectively produce a clear Eadd9 chord, providing a strong harmonic foundation.

The most striking technical aspect is the significantly higher pitch of the 4th, 3rd, and 1st strings. While the 6th and 2nd strings remain standard E and B, and the 5th string is tuned up two semitones to B, the other strings are dramatically elevated in pitch. Specifically, the 4th string targets F#4, the 3rd string G#4, and the 1st string F#5. These notes are an octave or more higher than what is typically achieved by the described semitone movements from a standard EADGBe tuning. This necessitates extreme caution for the player regarding string tension and gauge, as standard strings would be under immense stress. This high voicing is ideal for achieving a sparkling, almost harpsichord-like texture, particularly effective for arpeggios and harmonics. Barring across any fret will instantly yield an Add9 chord based on the new root, providing a highly versatile harmonic landscape.

Tuning Notes (Low to High)

• String 6: E2
• String 5: B2
• String 4: F#4
• String 3: G#4
• String 2: B3
• String 1: F#5

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

When adjusting your guitar to this tuning, please pay very close attention to the specified semitone movements and the target notes. Due to several strings targeting notes an octave or more above what typical semitone adjustments from standard tuning would yield, lighter gauge strings are highly recommended for the 4th, 3rd, and 1st strings to prevent breakage and potential neck damage.

• String 6 (Low E, E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains E2.
• String 5 (A, A2): Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
• String 4 (D, D3): Tune up 4 semitones. This movement from a standard D3 string would typically result in F#3. However, the target note for this tuning is F#4. Tuning a standard D string up 16 semitones to F#4 is an extreme increase in tension; a lighter gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 3 (G, G3): Tune up 1 semitone. This movement from a standard G3 string would typically result in G#3. However, the target note for this tuning is G#4. Tuning a standard G string up 13 semitones to G#4 is an extreme increase in tension; a lighter gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 2 (B, B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains B3.
• String 1 (High E, E4): Tune up 2 semitones. This movement from a standard E4 string would typically result in F#4. However, the target note for this tuning is F#5. Tuning a standard high E string up 14 semitones to F#5 is an extreme increase in tension; a lighter gauge string is strongly advised.

General Caution: Tuning any string up or down by more than 4 semitones (a major third) usually warrants consideration for a different string gauge to maintain proper tension, intonation, and prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument. This tuning has several instances significantly exceeding this recommendation.