Tuning Analysis: Open E Major (Martinez)

This unique guitar tuning, originally named "jose martinez" with the evocative description "wheel + electricity = internet", is an fascinating variant of an open E Major tuning. It transforms your guitar into a resonant instrument, ideal for a wide range of musical styles.

Verbal Analysis

When strummed open, this tuning immediately produces a rich, full E Major chord. This makes it incredibly intuitive for slide guitarists, allowing effortless glissandos through a major key. For songwriters and instrumentalists, it opens up new sonic textures and simplified chord shapes. The abstract description "wheel + electricity = internet" could be interpreted as a nod to foundational innovations, suggesting this tuning might be a powerful base for modern musical exploration, combining traditional harmony with new possibilities.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Open Notes: E2-B2-G#3-E3-G#4-B3 (from low E string to high E string)
• Harmonic Structure: The open strings collectively form an E Major chord (E, G#, B) spread across the fretboard.
  • The 6th string (E2) provides the foundational root.
  • The 5th string (B2) establishes the perfect fifth.
  • The 4th string (G#3) introduces the major third, an octave higher than the root.
  • The 3rd string (E3) reinforces the root an octave up.
  • The 2nd string (G#4) adds another major third, two octaves up from the lowest root.
  • The 1st string (B3) provides a higher perfect fifth, an octave up from the 5th string's B2.
• Chordal Possibilities: This tuning excels at rendering E Major and related chords with ease. Barre chords become significantly simpler, as a single finger can fret an entire major chord up the neck. Chords based on E (E6, Emaj7, Eadd9) can be voiced with minimal effort. While minor chords will require more specific fingering, the strong major foundation offers a bright, versatile canvas for blues, rock, folk, and country music styles.

Tuning Details and How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the 'Open E Major (Martinez)' tuning, you will adjust your guitar strings from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning to the following notes:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A): Tune to B2. This means tuning up 2 semitones from standard A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune to G#3. This means tuning down 6 semitones from standard D3. Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is a significant change. For optimal tone and string tension, consider using a heavier gauge string for this position.
• 3rd String (G): Tune to E3. This means tuning down 3 semitones from standard G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune to G#4. This means tuning down 3 semitones from standard B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune to B3. This means tuning down 5 semitones from standard E4. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. For optimal tone and string tension, consider using a heavier gauge string for this position.