B-flat Standard (A# Standard) Tuning Analysis

The "B-flat Standard" tuning, also known as "A# Standard," is a powerful and bright tuning for the Guitar. This setup takes the familiar intervals of standard E-A-D-G-B-e tuning and shifts them uniformly up by a tritone (six semitones). The result is a significantly higher overall pitch, lending a sharp, cutting quality that can be excellent for specific vocal ranges or to achieve a distinct sonic presence.

Technical Observations:

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Open String Notes: From thickest to thinnest string, the tuning is A#3, D#4, G#4, C#5, F4, A#5. This configuration maintains the classic perfect 4ths, major 3rd, perfect 4th, perfect 4th, and perfect 4th intervals (P4-P4-M3-P4-P4) of standard tuning but with an A# root.
• Chord Voicings: Players familiar with standard E tuning will find all their chord shapes directly transposable. For example, an open E major chord shape (022100) will now yield an A# major chord (or B-flat Major). Similarly, an A major shape (x02220) becomes a D# major chord (or E-flat Major). This makes adapting to the tuning relatively intuitive for chord-based playing, albeit in a much higher key.
• Scale and Arpeggio Shapes: All existing scale and arpeggio patterns can be used, but their root notes will be shifted up by six semitones. This allows for seamless musical exploration once adjusted to the new tonal center.
• String Tension Consideration: A critical technical aspect of this tuning is the uniform increase of six semitones across all strings. This represents a substantial increase in string tension. Playing with standard gauge strings in this tuning is highly likely to put excessive stress on the guitar's neck and bridge, potentially causing damage or making the instrument difficult to play. It is strongly advised to use a lighter gauge string set to mitigate these tension issues.

Open String Notes

Here are the notes for each string in B-flat Standard tuning:

• 6th String (Low E Equivalent): A#3
• 5th String (A Equivalent): D#4
• 4th String (D Equivalent): G#4
• 3rd String (G Equivalent): C#5
• 2nd String (B Equivalent): F4
• 1st String (High e Equivalent): A#5

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve B-flat Standard tuning, you will need to adjust each string as follows. Please exercise caution due to the significant increase in tension.

• Important Advisory: Tuning up by 6 semitones for all strings places considerable additional stress on your guitar. It is strongly recommended to use a significantly lighter gauge string set than what you would typically use for standard E tuning. Failure to do so could result in damage to your instrument or make it difficult to play. For changes exceeding 4 semitones up or down, different gauge strings are generally advised.
• 6th String (E2): Tune up 6 semitones to A#3.
• 5th String (A2): Tune up 6 semitones to D#4.
• 4th String (D3): Tune up 6 semitones to G#4.
• 3rd String (G3): Tune up 6 semitones to C#5.
• 2nd String (B3): Tune up 6 semitones to F4.
• 1st String (E4): Tune up 6 semitones to A#5.