Tuning Analysis: E Scale Open Tuning

This tuning, referred to as an 'E Major Tuning' by its creator, is actually a unique open tuning that features a collection of notes from the E major scale, extending beyond a simple E major triad. While it contains the essential elements of an E major chord, it also incorporates the 2nd (F#) and 4th (A) of the E major scale, providing rich harmonic possibilities and a bright, expansive sound.

Verbal Analysis

The 'E Scale Open Tuning' offers a vibrant and open sonic landscape, perfectly suited for playing in the key of E major. When strummed open, strings 4, 5, 2, and 1 (E3, G#3, B3, E4) form a clear and ringing E Major chord, making it instantly familiar and easy to compose within. The inclusion of the F#3 on the lowest string adds an interesting depth; it can function as a strong root for an F# minor or F# Dorian feel, or as a vibrant 9th over an E major chord, enriching its harmonic texture. The A3 on the 3rd string further expands melodic and harmonic options, allowing for easy access to suspended qualities or the natural 4th of E major.

This tuning is excellent for fingerstyle, folk, and contemporary genres where open, resonant voicings are desired. It encourages melodic exploration within the E major scale and offers unique chord inversions and extensions that are easily accessible across the fretboard.

Technical Analysis

The open notes of this tuning are F#3 G#3 E3 A3 B3 E4.

• String 6 (Low E): F#3
• String 5 (A): G#3
• String 4 (D): E3
• String 3 (G): A3
• String 2 (B): B3
• String 1 (High E): E4

When considered in relation to E as the root, the notes present are E (root), F# (Major 2nd/9th), G# (Major 3rd), A (Perfect 4th/11th), and B (Perfect 5th). This forms an E major scale fragment, specifically E F# G# A B. The open strings effectively create an Emaj9(add11) chord, or an E major chord with the 9th and 11th, with an F# in the bass.

Open Chord Formations:

• E Major Chord: By strumming strings 4, 5, 2, and 1 (E3, G#3, B3, E4), a clear E major triad is formed. This provides a strong tonal center.
• E Major (1st Inversion): Strings 5, 2, and 1 (G#3, B3, E4) give an E major chord in its first inversion, with the G# as the bass note.
• Rootless Emaj9(add11) voicing: Playing all strings yields F#3 G#3 E3 A3 B3 E4, creating a rich, extended voicing that hints strongly at E major with its 9th and 11th.
• F# Minor (fragment): Strings 6, 3, 1 (F#3, A3, E4) create a F# A E interval, suggesting an F# minor sound, potentially F#m7 without the 5th.

This tuning allows for easy fretting of common chords in the key of E. For example, a standard A major shape on the top strings, or a B7 shape, will adapt uniquely to the open strings, creating new voicings and melodic opportunities.

Tuning Notes

• String 6 (Low E): F#3
• String 5 (A): G#3
• String 4 (D): E3
• String 3 (G): A3
• String 2 (B): B3
• String 1 (High E): E4

How to Tune

To achieve the target tuning (F#3 G#3 E3 A3 B3 E4), start from standard EADGBe tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4) and follow these specific string adjustments as described in the tuning movements:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones from its standard E2 pitch to F#2. Critical Note: The target tuning specifies F#3, which is an octave higher than the F#2 reached by this 2-semitone adjustment. Achieving F#3 from standard E2 requires tuning up 14 semitones (E2 -> F#2 -> F#3), which is a very significant tension increase and is extremely risky for a standard guitar string gauge. The provided instruction of "Tune up 2 semitones" from E2 only leads to F#2. Please verify your intended target pitch carefully.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 1 semitone from its standard A2 pitch to G#2. Critical Note: The target tuning specifies G#3, which is an octave higher than the G#2 reached by this 1-semitone adjustment. Achieving G#3 from standard A2 requires tuning up 11 semitones (A2 -> G#3 via A3 and then down 1 semitone), which is a very significant tension increase and is extremely risky for a standard guitar string gauge. The provided instruction of "Tune down 1 semitones" from A2 only leads to G#2. Please verify your intended target pitch carefully.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones from its standard D3 pitch to E3. This is a moderate tension increase.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones from its standard G3 pitch to A3. This is a moderate tension increase.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at E4.

General Gauge Advice: Tuning a string significantly (more than 4 semitones up or down) from its standard pitch for a given gauge can lead to string breakage, damage to your guitar, or poor intonation. Given the discrepancies for strings 6 and 5 (where the 'How to Tune' instructions result in an octave lower than the listed 'Tuning Notes'), if you genuinely aim for F#3 and G#3 on these strings from a standard E2 and A2 starting point, you would be tuning them up by 14 and 11 semitones respectively. This is far beyond the safe limit for typical string gauges and highly advises the use of a significantly lighter string gauge, or a completely different approach to tuning these particular strings. Always exercise extreme caution, proceed slowly, and use a reliable electronic tuner to prevent over-tightening or loosening beyond safe limits.