42 tunings with step-by-step changes from standard, a mic tuner, reference tones, and a custom tuning builder.
Open E minor tuning is E B E G B E, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st). Compared with standard tuning, 2 strings change.
The open strings play E minor. Only two strings are raised, so it is easier on the neck than open E.
The open strings ring Em.
| String | Note | Frequency (A = 440 Hz) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (highest) | E4 | 329.63 Hz | as standard |
| 2nd | B3 | 246.94 Hz | as standard |
| 3rd | G3 | 196.00 Hz | as standard |
| 4th | E3 | 164.81 Hz | +2 from D |
| 5th | B2 | 123.47 Hz | +2 from A |
| 6th (lowest) | E2 | 82.41 Hz | as standard |
Strum all the strings open, then lay one finger straight across every string. Open: Em. At fret 5: Am. At fret 7: Bm. At fret 12: Em. Those are the I, IV and V chords of the key, enough for a blues or a folk song.
Open tunings are the classic choice for slide: hold the slide straight over a fret line and every string rings the chord.
Starting from standard tuning: 5th string up a whole step (2 semitones) to B; 4th string up a whole step (2 semitones) to E. Use the tuner at the top of this page for each changed string.
From the lowest string to the highest: E2, B2, E3, G3, B3, E4 (E B E G B E).
Reverse the changes: 5th string down a whole step (2 semitones) to A; 4th string down a whole step (2 semitones) to D.
No. The changes are small enough for a normal string set.