Tuning Analysis: Open E Minor Arpeggio

This unique Guitar tuning, creatively named EGBGBE by its developer, is described as being specifically crafted for a riff. It delivers a rich, resonant, and often melancholic sound, perfectly suited for crafting evocative melodies and powerful, drone-like accompaniment.

Verbal Observations

The Open E Minor Arpeggio tuning immediately establishes an E minor chord when all strings are strummed open. This provides a deeply resonant and somewhat somber foundation, making it an excellent choice for genres like blues, folk, or anything requiring a darker, open-string character. The strategic repetition of the G and B notes across the middle strings adds a beautiful shimmer and fullness, giving the overall sound a particularly lush quality. Its harmonically rich structure makes it highly effective for slide guitar, enabling smooth glissandos across the minor harmony. The creator's intent to use it for a riff is clearly reflected in its design, as its open, sympathetic tones are sure to inspire compelling melodic and rhythmic ideas.

Technical Analysis

From a technical perspective, this tuning transforms the standard EADGBE guitar into a versatile E minor harmonic instrument:

• Open Notes: The open strings are tuned to E2 G2 B2 G3 B3 E4.
• Intervals from Low E: Analyzing the intervals from the low E string, we find a perfect unison (E), minor third (G), perfect fifth (B), minor third (G, an octave higher), perfect fifth (B, an octave higher), and a perfect octave (E, two octaves higher). This arrangement powerfully reinforces the E minor triad (E-G-B) throughout the guitar's range.
• String Movements (from Standard EADGBE):
  • String 6 (Low E): Retains its standard E2 pitch; no change.
  • String 5 (A string): Tuned down by 2 semitones from A to G2.
  • String 4 (D string): Tuned down by 3 semitones from D to B2.
  • String 3 (G string): Retains its standard G3 pitch; no change.
  • String 2 (B string): Retains its standard B3 pitch; no change.
  • String 1 (High E): Retains its standard E4 pitch; no change.

The most significant alterations are to the 5th and 4th strings, which are lowered to complete the E minor arpeggio. The remaining strings serve as stable anchors, providing familiar reference points.

Open Chords and Reachable Shapes

This tuning dramatically simplifies playing minor chords and offers unique harmonic possibilities:

• Open E Minor (Em): A full, rich E minor chord is produced by simply strumming all open strings.
• Barre Chords: By barring a single finger across all six strings at any fret, you instantly create a minor chord. For instance, a barre at the 1st fret yields an F minor (Fm), at the 3rd fret a G minor (Gm), and at the 5th fret an A minor (Am). This makes transposing songs in minor keys exceptionally intuitive.
• Drone Possibilities: The open E, G, and B strings can be effectively utilized as resonant drone notes, adding depth and atmosphere to fretted melodies.

How to Tune to Open E Minor Arpeggio

To achieve the Open E Minor Arpeggio tuning (EGBGBE) from a standard EADGBE tuning, please follow these specific string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A string): Tune to G2. Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D string): Tune to B2. Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 3 (G string): Tune to G3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B string): Tune to B3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E): Tune to E4. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Important Note on String Tension: The largest movements required for this tuning are tuning down 2 and 3 semitones. These adjustments are generally safe for standard gauge guitar strings. However, always exercise caution when tuning. For tunings that require dropping or raising strings by 4 semitones or more, it is generally advised to consider using a different string gauge to maintain optimal playability, intonation, and string longevity. Always tune carefully and check your guitar's intonation after making any significant tuning changes.