Overview

This unique tuning, aptly named "Weird Em," is an open E minor tuning specifically crafted to evoke the rich, full sound of a 12-string guitar on a standard 6-string instrument. It presents a fascinating landscape for players seeking unconventional voicings and a deeply resonant, somewhat melancholic character.

Verbal Analysis

The most striking feature of "Weird Em" is its open string chord, which beautifully articulates an E minor harmony (E, G, B). By simply strumming all open strings, you're immediately presented with a full, ringing E minor chord, characterized by its doubled Gs and Es, and an octave-doubled B. This creates an incredibly lush and resonant sound, reminiscent of a chorus effect or, as intended, a 12-string guitar. This sonic richness lends itself well to drone-based music, arpeggiated fingerstyle, and evocative soundscapes.

While standard chord shapes will likely be challenging or require significant adaptation, the open E minor chord provides a strong home base. Barre chords can be easily applied to the entire open shape to achieve other minor chords (e.g., bar all strings at the 1st fret for Fm, 2nd fret for F#m, etc.). The non-standard intervals between strings encourage exploration of new melodic and harmonic ideas, potentially leading to unique chord voicings and riffs that wouldn't be possible in standard tuning. The close proximity of the 6th and 5th strings (unison G) and 2nd and 1st strings (unison E) adds to the 'doubled' effect, while the jump from B2 to B3 between the 4th and 3rd strings provides a surprising octave interval, contributing to the tuning's unique sonic texture.

Technical Analysis

• Open Notes: The tuning sets the open strings to G2, G2, B2, B3, E4, E4 (from low E to high E string).
• Open Chord: The open strings collectively form an E minor chord (E, G, B), with significant doubling and octave displacement.
• String Intervals:
  • 6th (G2) to 5th (G2): Unison
  • 5th (G2) to 4th (B2): Major 3rd
  • 4th (B2) to 3rd (B3): Octave
  • 3rd (B3) to 2nd (E4): Perfect 4th
  • 2nd (E4) to 1st (E4): Unison
• Range: The tuning spans approximately 2 octaves and a major 6th, from G2 to E4.
• Key Characteristics: The presence of unison pairs (G2/G2 and E4/E4) and an octave jump (B2/B3) between adjacent strings are key features reflecting the 12-string influence, providing depth and jangle.

How to Tune

Please note that some of these tuning adjustments are quite significant. Generally, tuning up or down by 3 or 4 semitones should be done with care. When adjustments exceed 4 semitones (either up or down), it is often advisable to consider using a different gauge string to prevent undue tension or slack and ensure optimal playability and string longevity.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 3 semitones to G2. (Caution: Tuning up 3 or 4 semitones should be done with care.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones to B2. (Caution: Tuning down 3 or 4 semitones should be done with care.)
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 4 semitones to B3. (Caution: Tuning up 3 or 4 semitones should be done with care.)
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 5 semitones to E4. (Recommendation: For this significant adjustment, a different gauge string is advised.)
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

6th String: G2

5th String: G2

4th String: B2

3rd String: B3

2nd String: E4

1st String: E4