THE TUNEGUITAR GUIDE
Understand Open E minor
Keep G natural
Only strings 5 and 4 change from standard: A becomes B and D becomes E. The open G is already the minor third of E, so leave it alone. Raising it to G sharp changes the chord to Open E major. Check the two B strings as an octave pair, then the three Es across their registers.
Minor to major without touching a peg
With the open minor tuning settled, fret the third string at fret 1 and let the other strings ring. G becomes G sharp and the chord turns major. Release it to hear minor again. If the contrast is unclear, reduce distortion and play fewer strings; effects can obscure the interval without changing the target notes.
Choose the physical route deliberately
This layout raises two strings a whole step. Open D minor with capo 2 reaches the same sounding pitches using lower open-string targets. Check that the arrangement's fret numbers are interpreted relative to the capo when you use that alternative. The tuner can verify pitch in either setup, but cannot decide which string tension or fret access feels right for you.
Your string-by-string route from standard
This is a comparison of target pitches, not a recommendation to use every tuning on every guitar. Start from the tuning your instrument actually has. Use the directions and the octave labels together.
| String | Start | Target | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | E2 | E2 | Keep this target |
| 5 | A2 | B2 | Raise 2 semitones |
| 4 | D3 | E3 | Raise 2 semitones |
| 3 | G3 | G3 | Keep this target |
| 2 | B3 | B3 | Keep this target |
| 1 | E4 | E4 | Keep this target |
Nearby tunings, compared by their actual notes
These are the three closest six-string presets by total semitone movement from this setup. The ranking describes target changes, not playing difficulty or physical suitability. A familiar name can hide a different middle-string layout.