Verbal Analysis: The "EGCGGE" Open Chord Tuning

This unique open tuning creates a rich, resonant soundscape, immediately suggesting an open C Major chord in its first inversion (C/E) due to the strong presence of C, E, and G notes across the strings, with E as the lowest note. It offers a drone-like quality, particularly with the repeated Gs and Es, making it ideal for strumming folk, blues, or ambient textures where a full, ringing sound is desired. The tuning provides a harmonic foundation that is both familiar and fresh, opening up possibilities for slide guitar, fingerstyle arpeggios, and percussive strumming that capitalizes on the sustained overtones.

Technical Analysis & Open Chords

The tuning from low to high is E2-G2-C3-G3-G3-E4. This arrangement of notes prominently features the C Major triad (C-E-G). When all open strings are played, the resulting chord is a C Major (C/E), a C Major chord with an E in the bass. This gives the chord a strong, grounded feel. The repeated Gs and Es across different octaves contribute to its full and harmonically rich character.

The open strings also implicitly contain elements of an E minor chord (E-G-B), though the B is replaced by C. This offers a melancholic touch if the C is emphasized, or a brighter C Major feel when all notes ring out. Strumming the open strings provides a massive, ringing C Major sound with a low E root.

Due to the open G notes on the 5th, 3rd, and 2nd strings, and the C on the 4th string, simple two or three-finger chord shapes can yield powerful results. For example, barring across the 3rd fret will give you an F Major chord, and moving that shape up the neck will create various major chords along the 6th string root. Shapes involving the open Gs can create suspended chords or add color to diatonic harmonies. The intervalic structure (E-G a minor third, G-C a perfect fourth, C-G a perfect fifth, G-G an unison, G-E a minor sixth) allows for easy access to bluesy intervals and drone notes.

How to Tune (Standard EADGBe Reference)

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to G3.
• 2nd String (B): CAUTION: Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Tuning down this much can cause significant slack and may require a heavier gauge string for optimal playability and tension.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to E4.