Tuning Overview: ECDGBe Re-entrant Tuning

The ECDGBe tuning is a profoundly unique and highly re-entrant guitar setup, diverging significantly from standard EADGBe. It features an unconventional arrangement of notes, particularly notable for the dramatically lowered B string (String 2) and the raised A string (String 5).

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Open String Notes (Low to High): E2 - C3 - D3 - G3 - B2 - E4
• Interval Analysis (from lowest E2, based on string order 6-1):
  • E2 (String 6 - Root)
  • C3 (String 5 - Minor 6th above E2)
  • D3 (String 4 - Major 7th above E2)
  • G3 (String 3 - Major 10th above E2, or Octave + Major 3rd)
  • B2 (String 2 - Perfect 5th above E2, significantly lower in pitch than String 3 (G3), creating the re-entrant effect)
  • E4 (String 1 - Two Octaves above E2)
• Key Feature: Re-entrant Tuning: The most striking feature is String 2 (B2), which is tuned an entire octave below its standard B3 pitch, placing it lower than String 3 (G3). This creates a re-entrant effect, meaning the string pitches do not strictly ascend from low to high string numbers, offering unique harmonic and melodic possibilities.
• Harmonic Implications: The open strings E-C-D-G-B-E contain a rich set of notes. Most notably, strumming all open strings creates a complex E-bass Cmaj9 chord (E-C-D-G-B-E). This hints at a strong leaning towards C major or E minor harmonic contexts, with the open D adding a distinct tension or color. The presence of E, C, G, B also clearly outlines a C major 7th chord with an E in the bass.

Verbal Description & Playability

This ECDGBe tuning is an adventurous departure from conventional guitar setups, ideal for players seeking unconventional sonic textures and unique chord voicings. The dramatically lowered, re-entrant B2 string will yield a deep, resonant drone, creating a distinctive textural layer that contrasts sharply with the higher G3 string. This allows for interesting inner voice movements and arpeggios that would be impossible in standard tuning.

The open E-bass Cmaj9 chord is a prime example of the rich, complex harmonies achievable without fretting, providing a full and resonant sound. Players might find this tuning particularly inspiring for fingerstyle, ambient music, or genres that benefit from open, ringing chords and unexpected melodic contours. While standard chord shapes will require significant re-learning or adaptation, the tuning lends itself to exploring new harmonic landscapes, with open strings serving as drones or foundational notes for improvisation in keys like C Major, G Major, or E Minor.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the ECDGBe tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps. Please exercise caution, especially with significant pitch changes, and consider heavier gauge strings for strings with large downtuning movements to ensure optimal playability and string tension.

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is E2.
• String 5 (A String): Tune up 3 semitones from A2 to C3. (Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones is a moderate change; proceed carefully.)
• String 4 (D String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is D3.
• String 3 (G String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is G3.
• String 2 (B String): Tune down 12 semitones from B3 to B2. (Warning: This is a full octave drop. A different, heavier gauge string is strongly advised for proper tension, intonation, and to prevent string floppiness.)
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is E4.

After tuning, check the intonation at the 12th fret to ensure accuracy, especially for strings with significant pitch alterations.

String 6 (Low E): E2

String 5 (A String): C3

String 4 (D String): D3

String 3 (G String): G3

String 2 (B String): B2

String 1 (High E): E4