Inverted Standard Tuning: A Deep Dive

The Inverted Standard tuning, as its name suggests, presents a fascinating twist on the familiar E Standard. While it retains the low E (E2) and high E (E4) strings in their conventional positions, the internal strings are significantly reconfigured. This creates a unique sonic landscape, diverging from standard intervals and opening up new possibilities for chord voicings and melodic exploration.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning offers a dark, resonant, and somewhat expansive feel. The familiar anchor points of the low and high E strings provide a sense of grounding, yet the altered middle strings push the sonic character into new territory. The open strings resonate with a distinct quality, inviting a more drone-like or open-string melodic approach. Players accustomed to standard tuning will find familiar shapes challenging, but the reward is a fresh perspective on the fretboard and unique harmonic textures.

Technical Analysis

The tuning notes are E2-B2-G2-D3-A3-E4 (from thickest to thinnest string). Let's examine the intervals:

• String 6 (E2) to String 5 (B2): Perfect 4th (7 semitones)
• String 5 (B2) to String 4 (G2): Minor 3rd down (3 semitones)
• String 4 (G2) to String 3 (D3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• String 3 (D3) to String 2 (A3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (E4): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)

The most striking feature here is the consecutive run of three Perfect Fifths on the D, A, and high E strings (strings 3, 2, and 1). This creates an incredibly powerful and resonant quality, lending itself to rich, open power chords and drone sounds. The lowest three strings (E2-B2-G2) form an E minor triad (E, G, B), offering an immediate minor tonality when strummed together. All the open strings (E, B, G, D, A) are found within the E minor pentatonic scale (E-G-A-B-D), making this tuning highly conducive to bluesy or rock improvisations using open strings.

Open Chord Possibilities & Reach

• E minor: Strumming strings 6, 5, and 4 (E2, B2, G2) yields a clear E minor triad. This forms a strong harmonic foundation.
• G Major (1st Inversion): Strings 5, 4, and 3 (B2, G2, D3) can be strummed to produce a G Major chord with B in the bass (G/B).
• A Major (2nd Inversion): Strumming strings 3, 2, and 1 (D3, A3, E4) results in the notes D, A, E, which is an A Major chord with E in the bass (A/E).
• Drone / Power Chords: The strong sequence of P5s on the top three strings (D3-A3-E4) makes them ideal for powerful, ringing drone notes or open power chords by simply muting other strings. Experiment with simple two-finger shapes on these strings for massive sound.
• E minor pentatonic: With all open strings present in the E minor pentatonic scale, exploring melodic lines and arpeggios that incorporate open strings will sound remarkably cohesive and full.

Inverted Standard Tuning Notes & How to Tune

This section details each string's target note and provides instructions on how to adjust your guitar from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning to Inverted Standard.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune to E2.
  Movement from Standard E2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A String): Tune to B2.
  Movement from Standard A2: Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D String): Tune to G2.
  Movement from Standard D3: Tune down 7 semitones. Note: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant drop. For optimal tone and string tension, consider using a heavier gauge string for this position.
• String 3 (G String): Tune to D3.
  Movement from Standard G3: Tune down 5 semitones. Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial drop. For optimal tone and string tension, consider using a heavier gauge string for this position.
• String 2 (B String): Tune to A3.
  Movement from Standard B3: Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (High E): Tune to E4.
  Movement from Standard E4: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).