Verbal Analysis: Em11 Open Tuning

This tuning, aptly named "e minor 11", lives up to its description as an "easy dark open tuning". When strummed open, all strings collectively form a rich and full E minor 11 chord. This immediate harmonic satisfaction makes it very accessible for players looking to quickly achieve a sophisticated, melancholic, or jazzy sound without complex fingerings. Its inherent darkness and depth make it well-suited for genres like blues, folk, jazz, and various forms of modern alternative music.

Technical Analysis: Em11 Open Tuning

Based on a standard 6-string Guitar, this tuning establishes an open E minor 11 chord. The notes played open, from lowest to highest string, are E2-G2-B2-F#4-A3-D4. When arranged in ascending musical order to define the chord, we find:

• E (Root): E2 (6th string)
• G (Minor Third): G2 (5th string)
• B (Perfect Fifth): B2 (4th string)
• D (Minor Seventh): D4 (1st string)
• F# (Major Ninth): F#4 (3rd string)
• A (Perfect Eleventh): A3 (2nd string)

The full chord spelling from low to high string is E-G-B-F#-A-D, which precisely outlines an Em11 chord. The specific voicings, with A3 on the 2nd string and D4 on the 1st string (both relatively high for their string positions after tuning), along with the F#4 on the 3rd string, create a beautifully spread and complex harmonic texture across the higher register. This arrangement makes it very easy to play transposed Em11 chords simply by barring a single fret, allowing for effortless key changes while maintaining the rich open chord quality. It also lends itself well to techniques like droning the low E or G strings while playing melodies or chord fragments on the higher strings, enhancing its versatility for composition and improvisation.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Em11

To achieve the Em11 tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these specific string movements. It's important to tune each string carefully to its target note:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones. This string becomes G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones. This string becomes B2.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone. This string becomes F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones. This string becomes A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones. This string becomes D4.

All string movements are within a safe range (maximum of 3 semitones down), so a change in string gauge is generally not required for this tuning. Always double-check your tuning with a reliable tuner after making adjustments.

Open String Notes:

• 6th String: E2
• 5th String: G2
• 4th String: B2
• 3rd String: F#4
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: D4