The G6 Emerson Tuning is a specialized setup for the Guitar, prominently utilized in styles associated with lap steel and dobro. As indicated by its name, this tuning provides an open G6 chord when all strings are strummed without fretting, making it an excellent choice for players seeking rich harmonic possibilities and ease in slide playing. It is specifically mentioned as one of the suggested G6 tunings for the Asher open tuning string set, highlighting its recognized utility in that context.

Technical Analysis

This tuning features the notes G2-B2-E3-G3-B3-D4 from the lowest to highest string. When analyzed, these notes form a G6 chord.

• The 6th string (G2) provides the root (G).
• The 5th string (B2) establishes the major third (B).
• The 4th string (E3) introduces the major sixth (E).
• The 3rd string (G3) reinforces the root (G) an octave higher.
• The 2nd string (B3) provides another major third (B) an octave higher.
• The 1st string (D4) completes the chord with the perfect fifth (D).

Verbal Analysis & Playability

From a player's perspective, the G6 Emerson Tuning immediately provides a rich, complex G6 chord simply by strumming the open strings. This "open tuning" characteristic significantly simplifies playing certain chord progressions and facilitates slide guitar techniques. Moving a single finger or a slide across all strings at any given fret will yield the corresponding 6th chord (e.g., at the 5th fret, it becomes a C6; at the 7th fret, a D6). This makes barre-style playing incredibly intuitive and powerful for blues, country, Hawaiian, and other styles that utilize these chords. Additionally, by selectively muting strings or using partial barring, one can easily derive G major (by omitting or muting the E string), G minor (by flattening the B notes), and other related voicings, making this tuning versatile beyond its initial G6 identity. The wide range of the notes, from G2 to D4, provides a broad sonic canvas.

How to Tune

To achieve the G6 Emerson Tuning from standard EADGBE tuning, follow these specific string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 3 semitones from E2 to G2. Please note: Tuning up 3 semitones is a significant adjustment. While possible with standard strings, care should be taken. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, or for sustained use, a different gauge string is generally advised to ensure string integrity and optimal tension.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones from A2 to B2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 2 semitones from D3 to E3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (G3).
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (B3).
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Always tune carefully and ensure your guitar's neck relief is checked after significant tuning changes.