The Bb Modal Double Sus4 tuning offers a deeply resonant and atmospheric sonic palette, perfect for exploring unique soundscapes, ambient textures, and modal improvisation. Its inherent suspended quality makes it an excellent choice for modern rock, alternative genres, or any style seeking a rich, drone-like foundation.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning transforms your guitar into a powerful sonic canvas, with the open strings tuned to A#2 (Bb2), D#3 (Eb3), F3, A#3 (Bb3), D#4 (Eb4), and A#4 (Bb4). This arrangement fundamentally presents an open Bb suspended 4th chord (Bb-Eb-F). More specifically, the intervals from the lowest string (A#/Bb) are:

• 6th string (A#2 / Bb2): Root (Bb)
• 5th string (D#3 / Eb3): Perfect 4th (Eb)
• 2nd string (F3): Perfect 5th (F) - Note its unique lower placement relative to the 4th and 3rd strings.
• 4th string (A#3 / Bb3): Octave Root (Bb)
• 3rd string (D#4 / Eb4): Octave Perfect 4th (Eb)
• 1st string (A#4 / Bb4): Double Octave Root (Bb)

The name "Double Sus4" refers to the prominent and repeated presence of the Perfect 4th (D#/Eb) across multiple octaves, which defines the tuning's characteristic suspended nature. The F3 on the 2nd string is a particularly interesting voicing choice, offering the perfect 5th of Bb in a lower register than one might expect, adding depth and allowing for unique voicings.

Open Chords & Playability:

• Open Strum: Simply strumming all open strings yields a full and resonant Bb sus4 chord, ideal for drone-based music or as a foundational texture.
• Barre Chords: Barring a single fret across all strings will naturally produce suspended 4th chords in other keys. For example, barring the 1st fret gives you a B sus4, the 3rd fret a C# (Db) sus4, and so on.
• Power Chords: Due to the root and 4th intervals, power chords (Root-5th) are easily accessible, especially those based on Bb and Eb.
• Modal Exploration: The strong suspended quality encourages exploration of modal scales, particularly those that work well with the Bb and Eb tonal centers.
• Drone Potential: The multiple octaves of Bb and Eb make this tuning exceptionally good for creating deep, sustained drones.

Be prepared for a significant shift in string tension due to the extensive tuning down on most strings. Consider using heavier gauge strings to maintain optimal playability and tone.

Here are the target notes for each string:

• 6th String (low E): A#2
• 5th String (A): D#3
• 4th String (D): A#3
• 3rd String (G): D#4
• 2nd String (B): F3
• 1st String (high E): A#4

How to Tune:

Starting from standard EADGBE tuning, follow these adjustments:

• 6th String (low E): Tune down 6 semitones to A#2. Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is a substantial change; a heavier gauge string is recommended for optimal tension and tone.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 6 semitones to D#3. Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is a substantial change; a heavier gauge string is recommended for optimal tension and tone.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 4 semitones to A#3. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is recommended for optimal tension and tone.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 4 semitones to D#4. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is recommended for optimal tension and tone.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 6 semitones to F3. Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is a substantial change; a heavier gauge string is recommended for optimal tension and tone.
• 1st String (high E): Tune down 6 semitones to A#4. Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is a substantial change; a heavier gauge string is recommended for optimal tension and tone.