The 'Transit' tuning is a vibrant and unique guitar tuning, named after its use by the pop punk/emo band Transit. This tuning delivers a bright, full, and energetic sound, ideal for open, ringing chords and melodic lines that resonate with a distinct emotional quality, perfectly suited for the genre's characteristic blend of introspection and raw energy.

Technical Analysis:

The tuning is structured as E2 G#3 B2 F#4 B3 D#5. A technical breakdown reveals a sophisticated voicing that creates its signature sound:

• The lowest three strings (E2, G#3, B2) immediately form a clear E major triad when played open. This provides a strong, foundational E major chord, offering a familiar anchor point despite the non-standard arrangement of the higher strings.
• Considering all six strings together, the notes present are E, F#, G#, B, D#. This collection of notes perfectly spells out an E major 7th chord with an added 9th (Emaj9). This creates a rich, complex, and harmonious open chord, offering a bright and sophisticated harmonic landscape that is both full and melodically inviting.
• The presence of the F# (Major 2nd/9th relative to E) adds a contemporary, slightly suspended or open quality, while the D# (Major 7th relative to E) gives the tuning its lush, extended harmonic character, contributing to a sense of uplift and emotional depth.
• This tuning is conducive to creating expansive soundscapes and is excellent for intricate arpeggios that highlight the inherent major 7th and 9th intervals. Its unique voicing makes it versatile for genres beyond pop punk, including jazz-infused rock, ambient, and expressive singer-songwriter styles seeking a bright, resonant quality.

Open Chords and Voicings:

Beyond the inherent Emaj9 open chord, this tuning provides easy access to:

• Strong E major voicings can be easily adapted across the lower strings, providing a powerful rhythmic backbone.
• Power chords remain highly accessible, particularly those rooted on the 6th (low E) string, allowing for heavy, driving riffs common in pop punk.
• The unique intervals between strings (e.g., Major 3rd on strings 6-5, minor 3rd on strings 5-4, perfect 4th on strings 3-2) encourage creative fretboard exploration, allowing for unique chord shapes and melodic runs not easily found in standard tuning.
• Fingering across the top three strings (F#4, B3, D#5) can yield interesting B major or B suspended voicings, adding another layer of harmonic possibility to an E root, suggesting V-I progressions or modal shifts.

Tuning Notes:

Low E String (6th String): E2
A String (5th String): G#3
D String (4th String): B2
G String (3rd String): F#4
B String (2nd String): B3
High e String (1st String): D#5

How to Tune:

To achieve the 'Transit' tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E A D G B e), follow these steps, ensuring you tune each string carefully to its specified note and movement:

• Low E String (6th): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is E2.
• A String (5th): Tune down 1 semitone. The target note is G#3.
• D String (4th): Tune down 3 semitones. The target note is B2.
• G String (3rd): Tune down 1 semitone. The target note is F#4.
• B String (2nd): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is B3.
• High e String (1st): Tune down 1 semitone. The target note is D#5.

Important Note on String Gauges: The string movements involved in this tuning are relatively minor, with no string requiring a change greater than 3 semitones. As such, it is generally safe to use your standard guitar string gauge without needing to switch to heavier or lighter strings.