The Jowi tuning, as described, aims for an "Open E or E add 9" with a "Mathy kind of emo vibe." This immediately suggests a tuning that is both harmonically rich and potentially lends itself to intricate, non-standard chord voicings and melodic lines. It moves beyond typical open tunings by incorporating an added ninth, creating a sound that can be both bright and melancholic.

Verbal Analysis

Plucking the open strings reveals a striking Eadd9 chord. The low E (E2) provides a solid root, followed by an intriguing F# (F#3) on what would typically be the A string. This F# is the major ninth, giving the tuning its distinctive "add 9" character right from the open position. The perfect fifth (B2) on the D string adds stability, while the G# (G#4) on the G string provides the major third, completing the E major triad. The high B (B3) and E (E4) further reinforce the chord, creating a full and resonant sound. The "Mathy kind of emo vibe" is likely derived from the open Eadd9 chord, which can sound sweet but also slightly yearning due to the F#, and the potential for wide intervals between strings (e.g., B2 to G#4 is a large jump) which facilitates complex arpeggios and voicings.

This tuning encourages experimentation beyond conventional barre chords. Open string voicings will naturally include the added ninth, providing a lush harmonic foundation. Power chords on the lower E and B strings remain easily accessible, offering a familiar anchor point. Chords incorporating the F#3 and G#4 will naturally sound complex and modern. Slide guitar would also sound particularly rich in this open E major 9 environment.

Technical Analysis

The open notes are:

• 6th String: E2 (Root)
• 5th String: F#3 (Major 9th above E2)
• 4th String: B2 (Perfect 5th above E2)
• 3rd String: G#4 (Major 3rd above E2, two octaves higher)
• 2nd String: B3 (Perfect 5th above E2, one octave higher)
• 1st String: E4 (Root, two octaves higher)

This configuration results in a clear E Major 9 chord (E - G# - B - F#) when played open. The intervals are spaced widely, particularly the jump from B2 on the 4th string to G#4 on the 3rd string, which is a major 6th across two strings. This wide voicing allows for a very open, resonant sound, and provides interesting melodic opportunities where notes can jump across octaves easily. The presence of the F#3 a major second above the open E (on the 6th string) and G#4 (major third) on the 3rd string allows for interesting fingerings that may be challenging to achieve in standard tuning. The overall intervallic structure promotes both droning open strings and intricate arpeggiation.

Players might find it easy to create variations of Emaj9, Emaj, or even sus2/sus4 chords by fretting just a few notes. For example, a simple barre across the lower strings could yield power chords, while fretting specific notes on the upper strings could easily resolve or extend the open Emaj9. The inherent openness makes it suitable for slide guitar, fingerstyle, and melodic lead playing where the rich harmonic backdrop is desired.

Jowi Tuning Notes

Here are the specific notes for each string in the Jowi tuning:

• 6th String (Low E): E2
• 5th String (A String): F#3
• 4th String (D String): B2
• 3rd String (G String): G#4
• 2nd String (B String): B3
• 1st String (High E): E4

How to Tune to Jowi

To achieve the Jowi tuning, start from standard E-A-D-G-B-e tuning and adjust each string as follows:

• 6th String (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (F#3): From standard A3, tune down 3 semitones. (A3 → G#3 → G3 → F#3).
• 4th String (B2): From standard D3, tune down 3 semitones. (D3 → C#3 → C3 → B2).
• 3rd String (G#4): From standard G3, tune up 1 semitone. Note: While the instruction is to tune up 1 semitone from standard G3 (resulting in G#3), the target note for this tuning is G#4. Achieving G#4 from G3 requires tuning up 13 semitones (1 semitone + 1 octave). Please exercise extreme caution if attempting this, as tuning up by such a large amount significantly exceeds the recommended range for a standard gauge string and may cause string breakage or damage to your instrument. A lighter gauge string for this position may be advised if G#4 is the intended target.
• 2nd String (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Always tune carefully, using a reliable tuner, and be mindful of string tension, especially when making significant changes.