Tuning Analysis: EGBGAD

The EGBGAD tuning, charmingly introduced as "A cool tuning I found today (Oct. 15, 2025)" by its discoverer, offers a distinctive and harmonically rich sonic palette. This tuning significantly departs from standard EADGBe, opening up unique melodic and chordal possibilities that are well-suited for evocative, atmospheric, or experimental music.

Verbal Observations

Verbally, the EGBGAD tuning strikes a balance between a grounded, dark foundation and a soaring, complex upper register. The lowest three strings (E-G-B) form a strong E minor triad, immediately providing a melancholic yet stable harmonic anchor. When all six open strings are strummed, the tuning resolves into a lush, slightly dissonant open chord reminiscent of an Em7sus4 or Em(add11, add♭7). This creates an expansive, introspective soundscape that can be particularly effective for fingerstyle pieces, ambient textures, or drone-based compositions. The presence of the foundational E minor chord on the lower strings suggests that familiar E minor shapes might translate with interesting nuances, while the unique intervals on the higher strings encourage exploration of suspended harmonies, open voicings, and unconventional melodic lines. It's a tuning that invites a player to listen deeply and explore new sonic territories rather than relying on standard chord patterns.

Technical Analysis

Technically, the EGBGAD tuning consists of the following notes from the 6th (lowest) string to the 1st (highest) string: E2-G2-B2-G3-A3-D4. A closer look at the intervals reveals its unique construction:

• The 6th (E2), 5th (G2), and 4th (B2) strings perfectly outline an E minor chord (E-minor 3rd-B). This provides a clear and robust harmonic foundation.
• The 3rd string (G3) is an octave higher than the 5th string (G2), reinforcing the minor third of the E minor chord and adding thickness to the texture.
• The 2nd string (A3) introduces a major second above G3, or a perfect fourth (11th) above the root E, creating a suspended or extended quality.
• The 1st string (D4) forms a perfect fourth above A3, or a minor seventh above the root E, adding a rich, jazz-influenced extension to the overall chord.

The combined open chord is harmonically complex and modern, avoiding simple diatonic resolutions across all strings. Its character leans strongly towards a suspended or modal sound, offering a versatile tuning for creating distinct moods and textures.

How to Tune

To tune your guitar to EGBGAD from standard EADGBe, follow these string movements. Please be mindful that several strings require tuning down by 2 or 3 semitones. While these are significant adjustments, they generally fall within the safe limits for standard gauge strings and do not typically necessitate a change in string gauge (which is usually advised for movements exceeding -4 or +4 semitones).

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The final note is E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones. The final note is G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones. The final note is B2.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The final note is G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones. The final note is A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones. The final note is D4.

Here are the notes for each string in the EGBGAD tuning, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string:

• 6th String: E2
• 5th String: G2
• 4th String: B2
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: D4