The EGCGAD Tuning

The EGCGAD tuning is a distinctive and resonant open tuning for the guitar, offering a rich sonic palette that diverges significantly from standard EADGBe. This tuning is particularly well-suited for creating lush, atmospheric soundscapes, making it an excellent choice for genres like ambient music, alternative rock, folk, or experimental compositions. The unique arrangement of open strings provides ample drone potential and encourages a fresh approach to chord voicings and melodic ideas.

Technical Analysis

From the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string, the EGCGAD tuning features the notes E2, G2, C3, G3, A3, D4. When compared to standard guitar tuning, we observe that the 6th (low E) and 3rd (G) strings retain their standard pitches. However, the 5th (A), 4th (D), 2nd (B), and 1st (high E) strings are all lowered by a whole step (two semitones).

This configuration results in compelling intervals and chordal characteristics:

• Drone Potential: The presence of two G notes (G2 on the 5th string and G3 on the 3rd string) creates a strong, octaved drone that adds depth and sustain to the overall sound.
• Harmonic Foundation: A perfect fifth interval exists between C3 (4th string) and G3 (3rd string), providing a solid and harmonious core.
• Open Chord Voicing: Strumming all open strings (E-G-C-G-A-D) produces a rich, complex chord. This can be interpreted as a C Major 6/9 chord (C-E-G-A-D) with an E in the bass, or an E minor chord with added color notes, lending it an open, slightly melancholic, or ethereal quality. It lacks the typical B for an E minor triad, but gains the C and A, contributing to a modern, expansive sound.
• Lower Register: The lowest three strings (E-G-C) form a C Major triad in its first inversion (G-C-E) or the root and minor third of an E minor chord, offering versatility in bass lines.
• Upper Register: The upper strings (G-A-D) suggest elements of a Gsus2 chord (G-A-D), further enriching the harmonic possibilities.

The EGCGAD tuning encourages exploration of open string harmonies, allowing for full, resonant chords with minimal fretting. Its unique interval structure makes it an excellent platform for arpeggios, fingerstyle compositions, and creating textures that stand out.

How to Tune

To tune your guitar to EGCGAD from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string adjustments. All changes are within a moderate range, ensuring the tuning is generally safe for standard string gauges. Always tune gradually and with care.

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

As all string movements are within 4 semitones (either up or down), a change in string gauge is typically not required. However, always ensure your guitar's intonation is checked after significant tuning changes.

Open String Notes:

• 6th String (Low E): E2
• 5th String (A): G2
• 4th String (D): C3
• 3rd String (G): G3
• 2nd String (B): A3
• 1st String (High E): D4