The Bittersweet Tuning:

As its name suggests and its description implies ("Like drinking lemonade that has a pleasing tang to it"), the Bittersweet tuning for guitar delivers a unique blend of melancholic depth and bright, resonant character. This open tuning offers a rich sonic landscape that can evoke introspective moods while maintaining a clear, articulate voice. It's a tuning that invites experimentation, from atmospheric soundscapes to driving rhythmic patterns, making it a compelling choice for players seeking distinct emotional expression.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to E2 G2 D3 E3 B3 D4. When strummed open, this tuning beautifully forms an E minor 7th chord (E-G-B-D). This inherent chord makes the tuning particularly resonant and harmonically rich, providing a full, dark, yet sophisticated foundation for your playing. The presence of the minor seventh (D) adds a bluesy, sometimes jazzy, flavor that perfectly complements the "bittersweet" nature of the tuning.

The specific voicing, with the low G on the 5th string, the doubled E (octave) and D (octave), creates interesting harmonic possibilities and makes certain chord shapes easily accessible:

• Drone Textures: The open E minor 7th chord can serve as a constant drone, allowing melodies to weave above it with great atmospheric effect.
• Slide Guitar: The open chord structure makes it very friendly for slide playing, instantly creating compelling and expressive harmonies.
• Fingerstyle: The open string relationships offer natural voicings and easy access to complex-sounding arpeggios and intricate melodic lines.
• Power Chords: Moving basic root-5th shapes (especially on the lower strings) up the neck will yield powerful, resonant chords, often with the underlying Em7 character subtly or overtly present.

Chords that are naturally within reach or easily adapted include E minor, G major, A minor, and C major shapes, but the real magic will be discovering new voicings that leverage the unique open string harmony and the rich, complex overtones this tuning provides.

How to Tune to Bittersweet

To achieve the Bittersweet tuning, you'll be adjusting several strings from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). Please use a reliable tuner and tune carefully, especially when lowering string tension, as this reduces the pitch.

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string stays at E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A to G. This brings the string from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string stays at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G to E. This brings the string from G3 to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string stays at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D. This brings the string from E4 to D4.

All string movements for this tuning are within safe limits for standard gauge strings. However, it's always good practice to exercise caution when tuning, especially when making multiple string changes, and ensure your guitar's intonation is checked after significant tuning adjustments to maintain optimal playability.