The "Open E 6 var" tuning is a unique and resonant variation of an E Major 6 chord, specifically designed to emphasize an open, bright sound by omitting the perfect fifth. This tuning sets your guitar up for a rich, ringing E Major 6 tonality straight out of the box, making it excellent for slide guitar, open strumming, and creating expansive, drone-like soundscapes.

Technical Breakdown:

The open strings are tuned to E2-G#3-C#4-E3-C#5-E4 (low to high). Analyzing these notes reveals a clear E Major 6 structure:

• Root (E): Present on the 6th (E2), 3rd (E3), and 1st (E4) strings, providing a strong foundation and a full octave spread of the root.
• Major Third (G#): Found on the 5th string (G#3), giving the tuning its bright, major quality.
• Major Sixth (C#): Present on the 4th (C#4) and 2nd (C#5) strings, which defines the "6" aspect of the chord. The presence of two C# notes adds a lush, almost suspended feel and contributes to the tuning's unique character.

Chords and Playability:

With the open strings forming an E Major 6 chord, strumming all open strings yields this rich harmony. This makes it exceptionally playable for:

• Open Chords: Moving a single finger or a barre across a fret will yield various E6 shapes up and down the neck. For instance, barring all strings at the 3rd fret would give you a G Major 6 chord, and at the 5th fret, an A Major 6.
• Slide Guitar: The open E6 harmony is perfect for slide playing, allowing for fluid melodic lines and expressive glissandos over a constant harmonic base.
• Drone Textures: The multiple E notes and the open nature of the tuning make it ideal for creating sustained drones, over which single-note melodies or other chord fragments can be played.
• Unique Voicings: The particular interval arrangement (E-G#-C#-E-C#-E) offers fresh voicings for common chord shapes and encourages creative exploration beyond standard tuning.

How to Tune:

To achieve the "Open E 6 var" tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-e, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone to G#3. (Original A3 goes down to G#3)
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C#4. (Original D4 goes down to C#4)
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3. (Original G3 goes down to E3)
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 2 semitones to C#5. (Original B4 goes up to C#5) Note: Tuning up 2 semitones is generally safe, but always tune carefully and monitor string tension.
• 1st String (High e): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E4.

For any string movements exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), it is generally advised to consider using a different gauge string to ensure optimal string tension and prevent potential damage to your instrument or strings. In this tuning, most movements are within a safe range, but careful tuning is always recommended.

6th String (Low E): Tuned to E2. This foundational low E note anchors the entire tuning, providing the root and a strong resonant bass.
5th String (A): Tuned down 1 semitone to G#3. This G# forms the crucial major third of the E Major 6 chord, giving it its bright, happy character.
4th String (D): Tuned down 1 semitone to C#4. This C# is the major sixth, defining the "6" quality of the chord and adding a sophisticated, open texture.
3rd String (G): Tuned down 3 semitones to E3. Another E note, providing a strong octave and adding body and resonance to the root.
2nd String (B): Tuned up 2 semitones to C#5. This higher C# reinforces the major sixth, adding brightness and clarity in the upper register. Always tune up slowly.
1st String (High e): Kept as is, E4. This highest E completes the chord with another root note, ensuring a full, ringing sound across the strings.