This unique 'Reentrant Em11no5' tuning for the 6-string guitar draws its inspiration from tenor guitar voicings, particularly in its four lowest strings. It's a tuning that promises a fresh sonic landscape for exploration, offering a distinct and often surprising harmonic character.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning has a distinct open and ringing quality, immediately suggesting rich harmonic possibilities. The interplay between the lower G and E strings with the D, A, A, E on the higher strings creates a unique reentrant structure, where the pitch does not strictly ascend from thickest to thinnest string, particularly with the 5th string (E2) being lower than the 6th (G2) and the 4th (D3). The 6th string (low G) provides a strong fundamental, while the 5th string (E) offers a minor third interval from the 6th string, adding depth and a slightly melancholic undertone. The two adjacent A strings (3rd and 2nd) are in unison, which can be leveraged for drone effects, subtle pitch bends on one string while the other rings true, or for creating an immediate, full-bodied sound. The top E string provides a bright, familiar high note. This tuning feels well-suited for fingerstyle playing, open chord arpeggiation, and exploring modal compositions where its inherent tensions can be beautifully resolved or sustained. The open string configuration lends itself to a wide, expansive sound.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are G2-E2-D3-A3-A3-E4 (from thickest to thinnest). Let's look at the intervallic relationships between adjacent strings:

• String 6 (G2) to String 5 (E2): A descending Minor 3rd (3 semitones down). This creates a strong, slightly melancholic base, immediately distinguishing it from standard tuning.
• String 5 (E2) to String 4 (D3): An ascending Major 7th (10 semitones up). This creates a wide, open interval, contributing significantly to the tuning's unique reentrant character.
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (A3): An ascending Perfect 5th (7 semitones up). This is a very common and strong interval, providing harmonic stability.
• String 3 (A3) to String 2 (A3): Unison (0 semitones). This allows for interesting drone, chorus, or single-note articulation effects, adding richness and versatility.
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (E4): An ascending Perfect 5th (7 semitones up). This brings the tuning to a bright, familiar top note, completing the open string harmony.

The tuning's name, 'Em11no5', accurately describes its inherent harmony when strummed open. With the open strings G-E-D-A-A-E, if we consider E as the root, we get: E (String 5), G (String 6 - minor 3rd), A (String 3 & 2 - perfect 4th/11th), D (String 4 - minor 7th), E (String 1 - octave). This precisely outlines an Em7add11 or an Em11 without the 9th (F#) and the 5th (B). Other open chord possibilities, leveraging the natural resonances, include:

• Am7sus4: With A as the root (Strings 3 & 2), E (Strings 5 & 1) is the 5th, G (String 6) is the minor 7th, and D (String 4) is the 4th/11th.
• Gmaj13sus4 (no 3rd): G (String 6) forms the root, E (String 5) acts as the 6th/13th, D (String 4) is the 5th, A (Strings 3 & 2) provides the 2nd/9th, and E (String 1) is another 6th/13th. This offers a rich, open sound with a strong G pedal.

Due to the reentrant nature and the wide intervals, chord shapes will differ significantly from standard tuning, encouraging a fresh approach to the fretboard. Exploring fingerings that utilize the open strings as a drone or pedal tone will yield inspiring results. The presence of unison A strings also opens up possibilities for two-part harmonies or melodic lines on adjacent strings that are usually not possible in standard tuning, inviting unique textural arrangements.

Here are the notes for each string in the 'Reentrant Em11no5' tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st):

• 6th String: G2
• 5th String: E2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: A3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: E4

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Reentrant Em11no5' tuning, begin from standard EADGBe tuning and carefully adjust each string as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 3 semitones to G2. (Note: This is a moderate change; always tune carefully and gradually.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. (Caution: This is a significant change. For changes exceeding 4 semitones (i.e., 5 or more semitones up or down), a different gauge string is generally advised to avoid breakage or maintain optimal tension. Proceed with extra care.)
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3. (Note: This is a minor change; always tune carefully and gradually.)
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3. (Note: This is a minor change; always tune carefully and gradually.)
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Always tune carefully, using a reliable tuner, and check string tension regularly to ensure the longevity of your strings and instrument.