Inspired by the innovative alternate slide tunings demonstrated by artists like Justin Johnson, the Open G/E Minor Hybrid is a truly unique and evocative tuning. It defies easy categorization, presenting a rich tapestry of harmonic possibilities that invite deep exploration, especially for slide guitarists.

Technically, this tuning sets the open strings to G1, A2#, D2, G3, B3, E4. At its core, it masterfully blends the elements of a G Major triad (G-B-D) with an E Minor triad (E-G-B). The presence of G, B, D, G across the 6th, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings provides a clear G Major tonality. Simultaneously, the notes E, G, B on the 1st, 3rd, and 2nd strings establish a strong E Minor voice.

The intriguing tension in this hybrid comes from the A2# (enharmonically B-flat) on the 5th string. This note creates a fascinating duality: it introduces a G Minor component (G-Bb-D) right alongside the G Major and E Minor elements. This juxtaposition makes the open tuning a complex, multi-tonal canvas rather than a simple open chord. It's a sonic landscape that can feel both melancholic and powerful, depending on how it's voiced.

Chords and Voicings within Reach:

• G Major / E Minor: By carefully muting or avoiding the 5th string, you can easily find resonant G Major voicings (G-B-D) using strings 6, 4, 3, 2, or E Minor voicings (E-G-B) using strings 1, 3, 2.
• Bluesy Explorations: The A2# (Bb) is a fantastic note for blues and slide playing. It allows for rich G minor or G dominant 7th (G-Bb-D-F) colors with minimal fretting, or by utilizing the open A# (Bb) and bending into/out of the B natural on the 2nd string.
• Complex Harmonies: Strumming all strings open yields a rich, dissonant sound that can be particularly expressive with a slide, enabling glissandos that embrace the close intervals. Experiment with partial barres to create extended or suspended chords, leveraging the unique intervallic relationships.
• This tuning is an invitation to experiment, perfect for those looking to break free from conventional chord shapes and discover new sonic textures.

The notes for the Open G/E Minor Hybrid tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st) string, are:

• 6th String: G1
• 5th String: A2#
• 4th String: D2
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: E4

How to Tune Your Guitar:

To achieve the Open G/E Minor Hybrid tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these specific adjustments for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 9 semitones to G1. (Note: Tuning down 9 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 11 semitones to A2#. (Note: Tuning down 11 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.)
• 4th String (D): Tune down 12 semitones (a full octave) to D2. (Note: Tuning down 12 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.)
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change to B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change to E4.