Verbal Analysis

The "Skyline E Open" tuning is a truly unique and adventurous setup that promises a vast and open sonic landscape. It features an incredibly wide range of pitches, with some strings reaching exceptionally high notes, creating a bright, almost ethereal upper register that sharply contrasts with a deep, resonant low end. This experimental tuning encourages players to explore beyond traditional chord shapes, making it ideal for crafting ambient textures, intricate arpeggiated figures, and shimmering, bell-like tones. Due to the significant tension changes on several strings, careful consideration of string gauge and a professional instrument setup are highly recommended to ensure playability and prevent damage.

Technical Analysis

From the lowest to the highest string, the "Skyline E Open" tuning is configured as E2, B2, G4#, C5#, A3, E4.

• The lowest two strings (E2, B2) form a powerful perfect fifth, establishing a deep and resonant bass foundation.
• The tuning introduces significant intervallic jumps as we move higher. The transition from the 5th string (B2) to the 4th string (G4#) is an extreme leap of 21 semitones, creating a dramatic shift in pitch.
• Following this, the 4th string (G4#) to the 3rd string (C5#) is a perfect fourth (+5 semitones), maintaining a bright and open upper register.
• Interestingly, the 3rd string (C5#) to the 2nd string (A3) involves a substantial drop of 19 semitones, bringing the pitch back down into a more conventional range before the final string.
• Finally, the 2nd string (A3) to the 1st string (E4) forms a perfect fifth (+7 semitones), completing the tuning with a familiar interval.

The open strings present the note collection of E, B, G#, C#, A, E. This combination contains the notes of both an E Major chord (E, G#, B) and an A Major chord (A, C#, E). It can be broadly interpreted as an E Major chord with an added 4th (A) and 6th (C#), or an A Major 7th chord (A, C#, E, G#) underpinned by a prominent low E and B drone.

Chordal Opportunities & Playability

• Open E Major: Strumming strings 6 (E2), 5 (B2), 4 (G4#), and 1 (E4) will produce a very bright and widely voiced E Major chord, emphasizing its open and expansive character.
• Open A Major: Focusing on strings 2 (A3), 3 (C5#), and 1 (E4) will clearly outline an A Major triad in the higher register.
• C# minor: A high-voiced C# minor triad can be formed using strings 3 (C5#), 1 (E4), and 4 (G4#).
• Harmonic Exploration: The unusual and wide intervals of this tuning actively encourage experimentation with partial chords, drones, and arpeggios. Players can focus on the shimmering, bell-like qualities of the higher G4# and C5#, creating rich textures when played against the solid E and B bass. Sliding single notes across the upper strings could yield evocative, almost synth-like, atmospheric effects.

How to Tune Your Guitar

Please exercise caution when adjusting your string tension, especially for significant pitch changes. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is generally recommended to consider a different gauge string to prevent breakage and ensure optimal playability.

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your string should remain at E2.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 2 semitones. Raise your A string to B2. This is a moderate increase in tension.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 6 semitones. Raise your D string to G4#. Warning: This is a substantial increase in tension. For safety and optimal tone, consider using a lighter gauge string for this position.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 6 semitones. Raise your G string to C5#. Warning: This is a substantial increase in tension. For safety and optimal tone, consider using a lighter gauge string for this position.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones. Lower your B string to A3. This will slightly decrease tension.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your string should remain at E4.

String 6 (Low E): E2
String 5 (A): B2
String 4 (D): G4#
String 3 (G): C5#
String 2 (B): A3
String 1 (High E): E4