Tuning Analysis: Open A7sus2

The 'Open A7sus2' tuning, as its name suggests, is designed to resonate with a sophisticated and open quality. This tuning is particularly well-suited for Ambient, Post-Rock, Lush Soundscapes, Classical, Neo-Soul, Lo-Fi Hip Hop, and Jazz Harmony. Its rich harmonic structure offers a broad palette for creative expression, moving beyond standard voicings into ethereal and complex sound territories.

Technical Breakdown

This tuning sets the open strings to A1 - E2 - A2 - E3 - G4# - B3 (from low E to high E string). Analysed relative to the lowest A (root), the intervals are as follows:

• String 6 (Low A): A (Root)
• String 5 (E): E (Perfect 5th)
• String 4 (A): A (Octave)
• String 3 (E): E (Perfect 5th)
• String 2 (G#): G# (Major 7th)
• String 1 (B): B (Major 2nd / 9th)

The combined open strings form an A Major 7th suspended 2nd chord (AMaj7sus2), specifically containing the notes A, B, E, and G#. Notably, the absence of a major or minor third (C# or C) lends this tuning its 'suspended' character, creating a rich, open, and slightly ambiguous harmonic foundation. The repeated A and E notes (Root and Perfect 5th) across different octaves provide immense resonance and a full, drone-like quality, perfect for atmospheric textures.

Chordal Possibilities and Voicings

With the open strings ringing as an AMaj7sus2, this tuning immediately offers a lush sound. Sliding a single finger across various frets can reveal a wealth of suspended and extended chords, making complex harmonies accessible. For example:

• Open Chord: The guitar rings as a beautiful AMaj7sus2.
• Power Chords: Simple two or three-string power chords on the lower A and E strings are readily available, providing a strong rhythmic foundation.
• Maj7 Voicings: By fretting the 2nd fret on the 1st string (B string) to a C#, you can achieve an A Major 7th chord (A-E-A-E-G#-C#), adding a brighter, more resolved major sound.
• Extended Harmonies: The high G# and B offer natural tension and release, ideal for creating intricate melodic lines and jazz-influenced voicings by simply moving a few fingers.
• Drones and Melodies: The repeated root and fifth make it easy to sustain a drone while playing melodies on the higher, more harmonically active strings, a technique common in folk and classical music.

This tuning encourages exploration beyond conventional chord shapes, leading to unique voicings and textures.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the 'Open A7sus2' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps. Please note that significant detuning is required for most strings, and a different string gauge is recommended for optimal tension and tone where noted.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune the E string (E2) down 7 semitones to A1. Caution: This is a significant drop (-7 semitones); a heavier gauge string is advised to maintain proper tension and tone.
• String 5 (A): Tune the A string (A2) down 5 semitones to E2. Caution: This is a significant drop (-5 semitones); a heavier gauge string is advised.
• String 4 (D): Tune the D string (D3) down 5 semitones to A2. Caution: This is a significant drop (-5 semitones); a heavier gauge string is advised.
• String 3 (G): Tune the G string (G3) down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune the B string (B3) down 3 semitones to G#3. (Note: The specified target note for this tuning's open strings is G4#, which would require tuning up significantly from standard B3 or starting with a much lighter gauge string. The tuning instruction provided here is based strictly on the 'string_movements' data, which details a 3-semitone drop from standard B3 to G#3. If aiming for G4#, please consult a professional for appropriate string gauges and setup.)
• String 1 (High E): Tune the E string (E4) down 5 semitones to B3. Caution: This is a significant drop (-5 semitones); a heavier gauge string is advised.

Open String Notes for Open A7sus2:

String 6: A1

String 5: E2

String 4: A2

String 3: E3

String 2: G4#

String 1: B3