Verbal Analysis:

The Open G# Minor 6th tuning offers a rich, melancholic, and slightly dark sound profile, perfect for evoking a sense of longing or a bluesy, mournful feel. With the low G# and high G# providing a strong tonal center and octave, this tuning naturally lends itself to drone-based compositions, intricate fingerstyle arrangements, and expressive slide guitar playing. The presence of the minor third (B) and the major sixth (F#) in the open position creates a sophisticated minor harmony that can be both introspective and powerful. It's a versatile tuning that can inspire a wide range of musical ideas, from haunting soundscapes to soulful blues.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning sets the guitar strings to G#3 B2 D3 E3 F#4 G#4 from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string. When strummed open, these notes form a G# minor 6th chord. Specifically, the intervals relative to the low G# are: G# (Root), B (minor 3rd), D (perfect 4th, often functioning as a suspended 4th or a component of the minor triad), E (perfect 5th), F# (major 6th), and G# (Octave). This configuration makes playing minor chord voicings and melodies within the G# minor scale particularly intuitive. The availability of the root (G#) on both the lowest and highest strings provides a solid harmonic foundation.

Chordal Opportunities:

• Open G# Minor 6th: Strumming all strings open yields a full G#m6 chord, creating an immediate, resonant harmony.
• Moveable Minor 6th Chords: By simply barring across any fret, you can easily transpose the open G#m6 chord to other minor 6th chords (e.g., barring at the 1st fret gives an A minor 6th chord).
• Drone and Sustain: The open strings are excellent for creating drone effects, allowing other melodic lines to be played over the sustained G#m6 harmony.
• G# Minor Triads: Basic G# minor triads can be formed by carefully selecting strings or light fingerings.

How to Tune:

To achieve the Open G# Minor 6th tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 4 semitones to G#3. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant increase in string tension. For frequent use of this tuning, a lighter gauge string is advisable to prevent string breakage and reduce stress on the guitar neck.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 5 semitones to F#4. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a notable decrease in tension. Ensure the string remains playable without excessive buzzing, and consider a heavier gauge string if intonation or playability suffer.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 8 semitones to G#4. Caution: Tuning down 8 semitones is a very substantial decrease in string tension. A heavier gauge string is strongly recommended to maintain proper intonation, sustain, and playability.

• 6th String: G#3
• 5th String: B2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: E3
• 2nd String: F#4
• 1st String: G#4