Verbal & Technical Analysis

The Mandolin Crossover Tuning is a fascinating and highly experimental setup for the guitar, specifically designed to blend the familiar depths of a guitar with the bright, ringing qualities often associated with a mandolin. As its name suggests, it seeks a middle ground, offering a unique sonic palette that departs significantly from standard guitar tuning.

Verbal Observations:

• At its core, this tuning (E-B-G-D-D-D) remarkably forms an open E minor 7th chord (E-G-B-D). This means that simply strumming the open strings will yield a rich, resonant Em7 harmony, making it ideal for drone-based music, folk, blues, and even certain classical or world music styles.
• The repetition of the 'D' note across the top three strings (D4-D4-D4) creates a powerful, sustained drone effect. This is a signature feature that will imbue your playing with a sense of continuous harmony and a shimmering, bell-like quality, particularly when strummed or fingerpicked.
• The open nature of the tuning, providing an immediate Em7, encourages exploration of melodic lines and single-note runs over a persistent harmonic bed. It's particularly well-suited for slide guitar or fingerstyle, where the open strings can ring out freely.
• Due to the drastic changes from standard tuning, traditional chord shapes will largely be unavailable. This pushes players to discover new voicings and chord forms, fostering creativity and a fresh approach to the fretboard.

Technical Observations:

• The open strings are tuned to E2-B2-G3-D4-D4-D4.
• Analyzing the intervals from the lowest E string: The tuning presents a Perfect 5th (B), a Minor 3rd (G), and a Minor 7th (D), resulting in a clear E minor 7th chord. The upper three strings are all tuned to D, emphasizing this 7th in a unique triple-unison fashion.
• Compared to standard E-A-D-G-B-e tuning:
  • String 6 (Low E) remains at E2 (P1).
  • String 5 (A) is tuned up 2 semitones to B2.
  • String 4 (D) is tuned up 5 semitones to G3.
  • String 3 (G) is tuned up 7 semitones to D4.
  • String 2 (B) is tuned up 3 semitones to D4.
  • String 1 (High E) is tuned down 2 semitones to D4.
• This highly non-standard intervallic structure means that scales and arpeggios will require complete re-learning, but also offers unique patterns and fingerings not possible in standard tuning.

Open Chords & Shapes:

The most prominent open chord is, of course, the E minor 7th (E-B-G-D-D-D). From this foundation, other chords can be surprisingly accessible:

• A G major triad (G-B-D) can be easily achieved by fretting the lowest E string at the 3rd fret (G), giving you G-B-G-D-D-D. This creates a very full and resonant G chord.
• Due to the repeating D notes on top, any chord played with the upper three strings open will have a strong D drone, potentially creating Dsus2, Dsus4, or other D-centric harmonies.
• Exploring two- and three-string voicings higher up the neck will yield unique chord clusters, moving away from traditional barre chords.

How to Tune Your Guitar

Achieving the Mandolin Crossover Tuning requires careful adjustment of most strings. Please use a reliable tuner and proceed cautiously, especially with strings that require significant upward tension changes.

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones. Target Note: B2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 5 semitones. Target Note: G3. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant tension increase. For optimal playability and string longevity, considering a lighter gauge string for this position is advised.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 7 semitones. Target Note: D4. Extreme Caution: Tuning up 7 semitones is a very substantial tension increase. It is highly recommended to use a lighter gauge string for this position to prevent string breakage and potential neck damage. Proceed slowly.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 3 semitones. Target Note: D4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones. Target Note: D4.