Tuning Analysis: EEEEBE (CSNY)

This distinctive open tuning, famously associated with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY), transforms the standard guitar into a resonant soundscape dominated by the note E. It creates a unique drone-like quality, particularly suited for folk, rock, and blues, enabling rich, full-bodied chords with minimal effort.

Technical Breakdown:

The tuning for a standard 6-string Guitar is as follows, from low to high: E2 E3 E3 E3 B3 E4. This arrangement means that four of the six strings are tuned to an E, with three of them being the exact same pitch (E3). Specifically, the intervals from the lowest E string are:

• 6th String (E2): Root
• 5th String (E3): Perfect Unison (one octave higher than 6th string)
• 4th String (E3): Perfect Unison (same as 5th string)
• 3rd String (E3): Perfect Unison (same as 5th and 4th strings)
• 2nd String (B3): Perfect Fifth (relative to E)
• 1st String (E4): Perfect Octave (relative to E)

The open strings fundamentally form a powerful and harmonically rich E major chord. The repetition of E3 across three strings creates an incredibly full and resonant mid-range, lending itself to a wall of sound.

Open Chords and Playability:

The most immediate benefit of EEEEBE is the open E major chord, which rings out with immense clarity and sustain. This tuning simplifies playing many E major-based songs and allows for easy exploration of drone patterns. By barring across the neck, you can instantly create other major chords:

• Barre at Fret 1: F Major
• Barre at Fret 2: F# Major
• Barre at Fret 3: G Major

The close proximity of the middle E strings also facilitates unique melodic and harmonic voicings that would be challenging in standard tuning. It encourages a focus on slide guitar techniques and fingerpicking patterns that emphasize the open string resonance, making it ideal for the blues and folk genres, and is a hallmark of the CSNY sound.

Tuning Notes:

From the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string:

• 6th String: E2 (Low E)
• 5th String: E3
• 4th String: E3
• 3rd String: E3
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: E4 (High E)

How to Tune to EEEEBE:

Always tune carefully and gently, especially when increasing string tension. Consult a professional if you are unsure about making significant tuning changes.

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: E2.
• 5th String (A String): Tune up 7 semitones. Original A2 to Target E3. Caution: Tuning up 7 semitones represents a very significant increase in string tension. For safety and optimal playability, it is strongly advised to use a lighter gauge A string or consult a guitar technician for a proper setup. Using a standard gauge A string for this much upward tension may lead to string breakage or potential damage to your instrument.
• 4th String (D String): Tune up 2 semitones. Original D3 to Target E3.
• 3rd String (G String): Tune down 3 semitones. Original G3 to Target E3.
• 2nd String (B String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: B3.
• 1st String (High E String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: E4.