This unique tuning, known as E5 (EEBBBE), offers a rich and resonant soundscape, notably used for Chris Cornell's captivating song "Seasons." It diverges significantly from standard guitar tuning, creating a powerful, open, and somewhat ethereal quality.

Technically, the open strings are tuned to E2, E2, B2, B2, B3, E4 (from low to high). This arrangement immediately highlights a strong E5 power chord (E and B) across multiple octaves. The root note E is present on the lowest two strings (E2), providing a deep, foundational drone. The two middle strings are tuned to B2, reinforcing the fifth of the E chord and creating a rich, resonant quality with the lowest E strings. The second string is then B3, an octave higher than the two B2 strings, further thickening the harmonic texture. Finally, the highest string is E4, completing the E5 chord across the range of the guitar.

This tuning naturally emphasizes the intervals of a perfect fifth and octaves, making it ideal for creating full, resonant drone chords and powerful arpeggios. Open chords like E5 are incredibly easy to achieve, simply by strumming all open strings. Variations of Bsus2 or even Em might also be accessible with minimal fretting, given the abundance of E and B notes. The repetition of B at different octaves (B2, B2, B3) means that many common chord shapes will take on a new character, often sounding fuller and more resonant due to these sustained B notes. It's particularly well-suited for fingerstyle playing where the open strings can ring out, providing a lush accompaniment to melodic lines. Its characteristics lend themselves to atmospheric and alternative rock genres, much like the song it's associated with.

How to Tune to E5 (EEBBBE)

To achieve this distinctive tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise instructions for each string. Please exercise caution when adjusting string tension. If a string requires tuning more than 4 semitones up or down (either positive or negative), it is generally advisable to consider using a different gauge string to ensure proper tension, intonation, and to prevent potential damage to the guitar or string breakage.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune to E2. Fret Movement: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A): Tune to E2. Fret Movement: Tune down 5 semitones. (This is a significant downward adjustment, a heavier gauge string is recommended for optimal performance.)
• String 4 (D): Tune to B2. Fret Movement: Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 3 (G): Tune to B2. Fret Movement: Tune down 8 semitones. (This is a very substantial downward adjustment, a much heavier gauge string is strongly recommended to maintain proper tension and tone.)
• String 2 (B): Tune to B3. Fret Movement: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E): Tune to E4. Fret Movement: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

String 6: E2 (Low E)

String 5: E2

String 4: B2

String 3: B2

String 2: B3

String 1: E4 (High E)