Open E minor tuning (E B E G B E)
Folk and post-rock players, and anyone who wants an open tuning that is two pegs away from standard.
E2B2E3G3B3E4
Open E minor tunes the open strings to an E minor chord: E B E G B E. Only two strings move, both upward: the fifth to B and the fourth to E. The third stays at G, which is what makes the chord minor.
It is a quick, low-effort open tuning with a big, moody sound, and the basis of a lot of drone-heavy folk and post-rock.
Notes and frequencies
From the thickest string to the thinnest, at concert pitch (A4 = 440 Hz). Changed strings are highlighted.
| String | Note | Frequency (A4 = 440 Hz) | Change from standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E2 | 82.41 Hz | as standard |
| 5 | B2 | 123.47 Hz | +2 semitones from A2 |
| 4 | E3 | 164.81 Hz | +2 semitones from D3 |
| 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz | as standard |
| 2 | B3 | 246.94 Hz | as standard |
| 1 | E4 | 329.63 Hz | as standard |
From standard tuning
- String 5: raise A2 up a whole step to B2.
- String 4: raise D3 up a whole step to E3.
The other 4 strings stay in standard.
Tuning to Open Em in TuneGlass
- The app opens in 6-string guitar mode; if you changed the instrument, switch back in Settings.
- Tap any string circle to open the tuning editor and choose Open Em from the presets. Presets beyond the thickest string are part of TuneGlass Pro, a one-time purchase.
- Play one string at a time. The needle turns green and the scale fills when the string is in tune. Hold a string circle to hear its reference note.
Tips
- Only the fifth and fourth strings change, both going up a whole step. Tune the fifth string B against the open second string, and the fourth string E against the open sixth an octave up.
- Because two strings are raised, keep an eye on the action; lighter strings feel more natural here.
Questions
What are the notes of Open Em?
E B E G B E from low to high.
How do I get to Open Em from standard?
Raise the fifth string from A to B and the fourth from D to E. The other four strings stay.
Related tunings
English