Tuning Analysis: EBEG#BE

This tuning, named EBEG#BE, is a vibrant and resonant open tuning that naturally lends itself to a bright, major tonality. It essentially transforms your guitar into an E Major chord when played open, providing a rich, full sound with significant harmonic depth. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for slide guitar, drone-based music, and compositions seeking a powerful, open-string resonance.

Technical Breakdown

• The open strings, from low to high, are tuned to E2, B2, E3, G#4, B3, E4.
• Analyzing the notes, we find E (root), B (perfect fifth), and G# (major third). The full set of notes present across the open strings are E, G#, and B, unequivocally forming an E Major triad.
• There are multiple octaves of E (E2, E3, E4) and B (B2, B3) present, contributing significantly to the tuning's impressive resonance, sustain, and shimmering quality.
• The intervals from the lowest E (String 6) are: a Perfect 5th to B2, an Octave to E3, a Major 10th to G#4 (an octave above a Major 3rd), a Perfect 12th to B3 (an octave above a Perfect 5th), and two Octaves to E4.
• This arrangement provides a strong harmonic foundation, making it easy to create full-sounding chords with minimal effort, often by simply barring across a single fret.

Chords and Playability

With the EBEG#BE tuning, playing an E Major chord open is effortless and highly resonant. By simply barring a single finger across all strings at any fret, you can easily play major chords up and down the neck (e.g., barring at the 1st fret gives you an F Major, 2nd fret an F# Major, etc.). This makes it incredibly intuitive for songwriting and improvisation, especially for styles like blues, folk, or rock where open, ringing chords are desired. The closely spaced E and B notes also provide excellent drone possibilities and a full-bodied sound for strumming.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the EBEG#BE tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps for each string:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The E2 note remains E2.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 2 semitones. This moves the A2 to a B2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 6 semitones. This moves the D3 to a G#3. Please note: Tuning up 6 semitones is a significant increase in pitch and string tension. For optimal tone, tuning stability, and to avoid potential string breakage, a heavier gauge string is advised if you plan to use this tuning frequently. Adjust carefully.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones. This moves the G3 to an E3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The B3 note remains B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The E4 note remains E4.

Always tune slowly and carefully. When tuning significantly up or down (exceeding 4 semitones in either direction), consider the string's gauge and the potential stress on the guitar neck for safety and optimal playability.

String 6 (Low E): E2

String 5 (A): B2

String 4 (D): G#4

String 3 (G): E3

String 2 (B): B3

String 1 (High E): E4