Tuning Overview: E Harmonic Exploration

This is an extraordinarily experimental and open tuning, thoughtfully crafted for inspiring unique fingering patterns and fresh harmonic voicings. Far from traditional, it encourages guitarists to venture into new sonic territories, creating a canvas for atmospheric soundscapes, modern compositions, or unconventional improvisations.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to E2, G#3, D3, F#4, A3, D#5. This configuration results in a highly non-linear arrangement of pitches across the strings. The presence of E, G#, and D# hints at an E Major 7th quality, but the inclusion of D natural, F#, and A adds complex tensions and extensions. Notably, the 4th string (D3) is tuned lower than the 5th string (G#3), and the 2nd string (A3) is lower than the 3rd string (F#4). These inverted relationships create wide, often dissonant, intervals between adjacent strings, which is characteristic of highly experimental tunings.

Open Chords and Voicings

Traditional open major or minor chords are not readily apparent in this tuning due to its complex interval structure. However, the open strings offer rich harmonic potential:

• The lowest E (E2) provides a strong root or drone foundation.
• The E, G#, and D# notes combine to form an E Major 7th arpeggio, suggesting a dreamy or expansive harmonic base.
• The inclusion of D natural (minor 7th) and F# (major 9th or #11) against the D# (major 7th) creates intriguing dissonances and opportunities for jazz-infused or highly textured voicings.
• This tuning is exceptionally well-suited for open string arpeggios, creating shimmering, ethereal soundscapes. Single-finger barres or partial barres across specific string groups will unlock unique and often surprising harmonic clusters, encouraging exploration beyond conventional chord shapes.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the 'E Harmonic Exploration' tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e), follow these string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Ends on E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone. Ends on G#3.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Ends on D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone. Ends on F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones. Ends on A3.
• 1st String (High e): Tune down 1 semitone. Ends on D#5.

All string movements are within a safe range, so a change of string gauge is not advised for this tuning.

String 6: E2
String 5: G#3
String 4: D3
String 3: F#4
String 2: A3
String 1: D#5