This unique 7-string guitar tuning, aptly named "Open Emaj7 for Midwest Emo," is crafted for resonant, emotional soundscapes, perfect for the reflective tones often found in midwest emo and for deep, rainy day introspection. It transforms your instrument into a sonic canvas rich with melodic potential, ready for complex arpeggios and shimmering chord voicings.

Technical Analysis

The open strings of this 7-string tuning resolve to: G#2 - E2 - B2 - D#4 - G#4 - B3 - D#5. When played open, these notes collectively form a beautiful and full E Major 7th chord (E - G# - B - D#) with additional octaves and voicings. The low G#2 provides a deep, resonant foundation, extending the Emaj7 harmony, while the higher B3, G#4, and D#5 add sparkle and clarity to the overall voicing.

Chordal Possibilities and Playing Style

This tuning naturally lends itself to rich, open-string Emaj7 voicings, making it incredibly easy to establish the core harmonic movement of many songs. The presence of the root (E), major third (G#), perfect fifth (B), and major seventh (D#) across the strings means that simple single-finger barres or minimal fretting can yield complex major 7th and related suspended chords effortlessly.

For the midwest emo style, this tuning particularly encourages intricate arpeggiation and melodic lines that weave through the open chord. Shapes that incorporate the open E, B, and D# strings will sound especially lush and chiming. Experiment with partial capos or simple two-finger chord shapes to discover new harmonic possibilities and suspended voicings that resonate with the inherent melancholy and beauty of the tuning. Chords like A Major (perhaps by barring at the 5th fret, accounting for the low G#), C# minor, or F# minor can be explored with relative ease by utilizing the open strings as drones or pedal tones, providing a rich backdrop for melodic exploration.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "Open Emaj7 for Midwest Emo" tuning, carefully adjust each string according to the following movements. Remember to always tune slowly and accurately, especially when increasing string tension.

• String 7 (Lowest Bass String): Tune down 3 semitones to G#2.
• String 6: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E2.
• String 5: Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
• String 4: Tune up 1 semitone to D#4.
• String 3: Tune up 1 semitone to G#4.
• String 2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• String 1 (Highest Treble String): Tune down 1 semitone to D#5.

Important Note on String Gauges: While the movements in this tuning are relatively minor (within 3 semitones), for any tuning that requires changing a string's pitch by more than 4 semitones up or down, it is generally advised to consider using a different string gauge to ensure optimal tension, intonation, and to prevent string breakage. Always exercise caution when tuning, especially when increasing pitch.

Here are the precise notes for each string in the "Open Emaj7 for Midwest Emo" tuning:

• String 7 (Lowest Bass String): G#2
• String 6: E2
• String 5: B2
• String 4: D#4
• String 3: G#4
• String 2: B3
• String 1 (Highest Treble String): D#5