Verbal Description

Unveiling the rich harmony of the Open G#6 tuning, this configuration transforms your guitar into a resonant soundscape. Deriving its notes from a concept described as a full major 4th below CACGCE, its unique character evokes a deep, almost melancholic, yet ultimately uplifting feel. When strummed open, this tuning immediately presents a full G# Major 6th chord, providing an instant foundation for lush harmonies, blues-inflected melodies, or even atmospheric soundscapes. The lower F string adds an unexpected depth and growl, while the repeated G#s across octaves give it a powerful, droning quality perfect for slide guitar or fingerstyle arrangements that demand a rich, sustained sound.

Experiment with partial barres to quickly find other Major 6th chords, or explore single-note melodies that will resonate beautifully against the open strings. The unique intervals invite creative voicings and can inspire fresh compositional ideas, moving beyond conventional open tunings, lending itself well to genres like folk, blues, jazz, and even contemporary classical compositions seeking unique sonic textures.

Technical Analysis

This Open G#6 tuning for Guitar consists of the following notes from lowest (6th) to highest (1st) string: G#2, F2, G#3, D#4, G#4, C4. Analyzing the intervals relative to the root (G#), the open strings stack up to form a comprehensive chord:

• G# (Root)
• C (Major 3rd, enharmonically B#)
• D# (Perfect 5th)
• F (Major 6th, enharmonically E#)

The presence of G#, C, D#, and F across the strings forms a complete G# Major 6th chord. This makes the tuning highly resonant and simplifies playing this specific chord across the neck with just an open strum. The F2 on the 5th string acts as a low Major 6th, providing a unique bass extension to the chord. The consistent presence of G# on the 6th, 4th, and 2nd strings offers a strong root and octave support, facilitating drone effects and easy access to the tonic note in various registers.

How to Tune

To achieve the Open G#6 tuning from standard EADGBe, carefully adjust each string as follows. Please note the significant drops in tension for most strings; a heavier gauge string set may be advised to maintain optimal playability and intonation, especially for movements equal to or exceeding 4 semitones (up or down).

• 6th String (Low E to G#2): Tune down 8 semitones to G#2. (Warning: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised as it exceeds 4 semitones.)
• 5th String (A to F2): Tune down 4 semitones to F2. (Warning: This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string is advised as it is 4 semitones.)
• 4th String (D to G#3): Tune down 6 semitones to G#3. (Warning: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised as it exceeds 4 semitones.)
• 3rd String (G to D#4): Tune down 4 semitones to D#4. (Warning: This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string is advised as it is 4 semitones.)
• 2nd String (B to G#4): Tune down 3 semitones to G#4.
• 1st String (High E to C4): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. (Warning: This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string is advised as it is 4 semitones.)

Open String Notes:

6th String (Lowest): G2#

5th String: F2

4th String: G3#

3rd String: D4#

2nd String: G4#

1st String (Highest): C4