If you were just starting out, would you go with standard tuning

[Jwills57]

What I think is that it's good to learn a bit of music theory (or a lot) in standard tuning so you understand how the guitar works as an instrument. If you go the other route, starting in open tunings, the theory is probably not as relevant or as applicable. Doesn't mean you can't figure the theory out in, say, Open C, but then it's harder to translate that back to standard tuning. If you start in standard tuning and figure out the theory, when you get into open tunings, you can see how it makes sense, where the harmonies are, where the intervals lie, etc. At least that's my take on it.

[FrankHudson]

Originally Posted by frankmcr

You're kidding, I know, but it is true that Em7 add 11 is not a beginner-friendly tuning.

I'm laughing, but how many of the folks out there have tried Em7 (add11) tuning? It's fairly flexible once you get the hang of it and its odd interval between the 3rd and 2nd string. I kind of think of it as Drop D with the 6th string raised a step.

[zmf]

Originally Posted by frankmcr

You're kidding, I know, but it is true that Em7 add 11 is not a beginner-friendly tuning.

I guess you're not kidding. Haven't heard of this one. Is there a video of something played in Em7 add 11? And a rationale for why this tuning was invented?

[rick-slo]

Originally Posted by zmf

I guess you're not kidding. Haven't heard of this one. Is there a video of something played in Em7 add 11? And a rationale for why this tuning was invented?

It's standard tuning 0-0-0-0-0-0. Not sure who is being serious and who is just kidding.

[zmf]

Originally Posted by rick-slo

It's standard tuning 0-0-0-0-0-0. Not sure who is being serious and who is just kidding.

Ah. OK. Nope, still off by one fret.

[frankmcr]

Originally Posted by FrankHudson

I'm laughing, but how many of the folks out there have tried Em7 (add11) tuning? It's fairly flexible once you get the hang of it and its odd interval between the 3rd and 2nd string. I kind of think of it as Drop D with the 6th string raised a step.

That's a great way to think of it! You get all the possibilities of Drop D but without the limitations imposed by the lowered 6 string.