The EDGBDE tuning for Guitar is a wonderfully resonant open tuning, specifically crafted to produce an E minor 7th chord (E-G-B-D) with its open strings. This gives it an immediate, rich, and full-bodied character, making it highly effective for styles that thrive on deep, sometimes melancholic, or bluesy drones, such as blues, folk, various forms of rock, and even some alternative jazz voicings. The arrangement of notes, particularly the multiple E and D strings at different octaves, creates a lush soundscape, offering extensive harmonic possibilities with minimal effort from the fretting hand.

Technical Breakdown:

The open string notes for this tuning are: E2 (6th string), D3 (5th string), G3 (4th string), B3 (3rd string), D4 (2nd string), E4 (1st string). When all open strings are strummed, they clearly articulate an E minor 7th chord, built from its root E, minor third G, perfect fifth B, and minor seventh D. The presence of two E notes (E2, E4) and two D notes (D3, D4) at different octaves provides a powerful, full voicing and enhances the sustain. This configuration is particularly beneficial for slide guitar techniques, as well as for easily forming E minor 7th chord shapes or related dominant 7th chords by simply barring across certain frets. Chords and melodies within the keys of E minor or G major will find a natural and harmonically rich home in this tuning.

How to Tune:

Achieving the EDGBDE tuning requires significant adjustments from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning for most of your strings. It is crucial to proceed with caution, especially with the substantial semitone increases, as this can place considerable tension on your strings and potentially lead to breakage or damage. For optimal safety and playability, particularly if you intend to keep your guitar in this tuning, it is highly recommended to consider using a lighter gauge string set or consulting a professional guitar technician for setup adjustments.

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains tuned to E2.
• 5th String (A String): Tune up 5 semitones from standard A2 to D3. *Warning: This is a substantial increase in tension (exceeds 4 semitones). A lighter gauge string is strongly advised.*
• 4th String (D String): Tune up 5 semitones from standard D3 to G3. *Warning: This is a substantial increase in tension (exceeds 4 semitones). A lighter gauge string is strongly advised.*
• 3rd String (G String): Tune up 4 semitones from standard G3 to B3. *Warning: This is a significant increase in tension (equals 4 semitones). Exercise care, and a lighter gauge string may be beneficial.*
• 2nd String (B String): Tune up 3 semitones from standard B3 to D4. *Warning: This is a notable increase in tension. Proceed with care.*
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains tuned to E4.

6th String (Low E): E2

5th String (A String): D3

4th String (D String): G3

3rd String (G String): B3

2nd String (B String): D4

1st String (High E): E4