The "double e/b tuning - open em7" is a richly resonant and unique open tuning, particularly well-suited for acoustic guitar, as described by its creator. Its primary characteristic is the strategic doubling of both E and B notes across different octaves, creating a full and sonorous sound palette.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning immediately presents an open Em7 chord when strummed, offering a melancholic yet full sound without any fretting. The 'doubled sound' effect, especially from the two E strings (low E2 and 5th string E2) and the two B strings (2nd string B2 and high B3), provides a lush, chorused quality. This makes it incredibly easy to achieve a rich, harmonically complete sound, ideal for open strums, fingerpicking patterns, and drone-based music. Players familiar with Double E tuning will find a similar fretting logic, allowing for easy adaptation.

The open Em7 provides a strong harmonic foundation for blues, folk, and contemporary acoustic genres. Its resonant qualities would make it excel in atmospheric pieces or as a basis for slide guitar, where the open chord can be fully utilized.

Technical Analysis

The tuning sequence, from low E to high E, is E2-E2-D3-G3-B2-B3.

• 6th String (Low E): E2 (standard pitch).
• 5th String (A String): Tuned down 5 semitones from A2 to E2. This creates a powerful octave doubling with the 6th string, reinforcing the root.
• 4th String (D String): D3 (standard pitch). This note introduces the minor seventh interval, defining the Em7 chord.
• 3rd String (G String): G3 (standard pitch). This provides the minor third, essential for the minor tonality.
• 2nd String (B String): Tuned down a full octave (12 semitones) from B3 to B2. This creates a deep, resonant fifth for the Em7 and forms an octave doubling with the 1st string.
• 1st String (High E String): Tuned down 5 semitones from E4 to B3. This completes the Em7 chord by adding the fifth (B), an octave higher than the 2nd string, further enhancing the 'doubled' effect.

The open tuning forms an E minor seventh chord (E-G-B-D). The doubled E's and B's create a rich, full voicing. This specific configuration allows for common open chord shapes to instantly become Em7 variants by simply barring. For instance, a simple barre across a fret will yield a minor seventh chord based on that fret. Chords such as Am7 or Dm7 can be easily reached with minimal finger movement relative to the open Em7 position.

How to Tune

Care should be taken when adjusting string tension. For significant changes (more than 4 semitones up or down), it is often recommended to use a different gauge string to maintain optimal tension, tone, and string longevity.

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones from A2 to E2. This is a significant drop, but generally manageable with standard light/medium gauge strings.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 12 semitones from B3 to B2. This is a full octave drop. A heavier gauge string for this position is strongly advised to maintain proper tension and avoid a 'floppy' feel or intonation issues.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 5 semitones from E4 to B3. This is a significant drop, but generally manageable with standard light/medium gauge strings.

6th String (Low E): E2

5th String (A): E2

4th String (D): D3

3rd String (G): G3

2nd String (B): B2

1st String (High E): B3