The "Open double E" tuning is specifically designed for a Cigar Box Guitar, offering a rich and versatile sonic palette. This tuning resonates deeply with genres like country, jazz, and even finds application in metal due to its powerful and resonant open chord structure.

Technically, this is an E Major Open Tuning. When played open, the strings collectively form a vibrant E major chord, providing an instant full sound. The lowest string is tuned to E1, serving as an excellent bass foundation, allowing players to lay down deep, resonant bass lines. The careful arrangement of E, B, and G# notes across the remaining strings creates a harmonically rich spread of the E major triad: E1-E2-B2-E3-G4#-B3.

A significant advantage of this open tuning is the ease of playing major chords across the fretboard. By simply barring a single finger across any fret, you can effortlessly achieve a major chord corresponding to that fret (e.g., barring at the 3rd fret will produce a G major chord). This makes it exceptionally beginner-friendly for rhythm playing and ideal for slide guitar techniques, where the natural major harmony shines through. The double presence of E and B notes across different octaves provides a full, ringing sustain perfect for drones and rootsy melodies, opening up creative possibilities for both melodic and harmonic exploration.

Tuning Notes (from lowest to highest string):

• String 6: E1
• String 5: E2
• String 4: B2
• String 3: E3
• String 2: G4#
• String 1: B3

How to Tune:

Please note that significant string tension changes can affect playability and potentially damage your instrument. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different gauge string is highly recommended for optimal performance and safety.

• String 6 (Lowest E): Tune down 7 semitones to reach E1. (This is a substantial drop; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.)
• String 5 (E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) for E2.
• String 4 (B): Tune up 2 semitones to reach B2.
• String 3 (E): Tune up 2 semitones to reach E3.
• String 2 (G#): Tune up 1 semitone to reach G4#.
• String 1 (Highest B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) for B3.