Tuning Analysis: Open B7sus2

This intriguing Open B7sus2 tuning (for Guitar) offers a rich, open sound that the creator described as a refreshing escape from conventional keys. It's noted to sound particularly good on acoustic guitars and potentially even better on a baritone instrument, a suggestion that aligns well with the low root note and wide string spread.

Verbal Analysis

The overall feel of this tuning is deep, resonant, and harmonically complex, yet surprisingly open. With its roots in B, it provides a powerful, almost orchestral foundation. The suspended 2nd (C#) and minor 7th (A) give it a modern, slightly jazzy, or even melancholic character, avoiding the direct major or minor sound. This ambiguity makes it highly versatile for various musical styles, from ambient soundscapes to more rhythmic, percussive playing. The low B1 string suggests a powerful bass presence, perfect for driving rhythms or lush, sustained chords. The open B7sus2 chord rings out full and clear, providing an immediate melodic and harmonic landscape.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are configured as follows, from lowest to highest string:

• String 6: B1 (Root)
• String 5: A2 (Minor 7th)
• String 4: B2 (Octave)
• String 3: F4# (Perfect 5th, but an octave higher than what results from standard G3 tuned down 1 semitone, which would be F#3)
• String 2: B3 (Octave)
• String 1: C5# (Major 2nd/9th, but an octave higher than what results from standard E4 tuned down 3 semitones, which would be C#4)

The significant drops in tuning, particularly for String 6 (down 5 semitones) and String 4 (down 3 semitones), contribute to the deep, resonant character, reinforcing the creator's suggestion for a baritone guitar. Standard guitar strings might feel a bit loose on the lower strings (especially B1) and might require a heavier gauge for optimal tension and intonation.

When considering chords and melodic possibilities:

• Open Voicing: Strumming all open strings yields a full, complex B7sus2 chord, which can serve as a powerful drone or starting point for improvisation.
• Barre Chords: Moving a single finger across a fret will yield parallel 7sus2 chords (e.g., fretting all strings at the 2nd fret would give C#7sus2, or if string 5 is not barred, it could give other interesting voicings).
• Harmonic Potential: The open intervals allow for easy construction of suspended chords, modal voicings, and drones. Experimenting with fretting just one or two strings against the open notes can reveal surprising harmonies. The absence of a major or minor third in the open tuning makes it adaptable to both major and minor scales, allowing for creative melodic exploration without immediately dictating a specific mood.
• Bassline Opportunities: The low B1 string provides excellent opportunities for thumb-fretted basslines or open-string bass drones.

How to Tune: Open B7sus2

To achieve the Open B7sus2 tuning, start from standard EADGBe tuning and follow the instructions below for each string. Please take note of the semitone changes and consider heavier gauge strings for significant drops to maintain tension and intonation.

• String 6 (Low E):
  Starting from standard E2, tune down 5 semitones to B1.
  (Note: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal performance.)
• String 5 (A):
  Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from A2 to A2.
• String 4 (D):
  Starting from standard D3, tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3 (G):
  Starting from standard G3, tune down 1 semitone to F#3.
  (Analyst's Note: The target tuning note provided in the JSON for this string is F4#, which is an octave higher than the F#3 resulting from tuning down 1 semitone from G3. If the intention is to reach F4#, this would require tuning up 11 semitones from G3, not down 1. Please ensure your desired target note before proceeding.)
• String 2 (B):
  Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3 to B3.
• String 1 (High E):
  Starting from standard E4, tune down 3 semitones to C#4.
  (Analyst's Note: The target tuning note provided in the JSON for this string is C5#, which is an octave higher than the C#4 resulting from tuning down 3 semitones from E4. If the intention is to reach C5#, this would require tuning up 9 semitones from E4, not down 3. Please ensure your desired target note before proceeding.)

General Advice for String Gauges:
For any string movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is generally recommended to consider a different gauge string to prevent potential damage and ensure proper playability and intonation. Specifically, for String 6, a heavier gauge is highly recommended due to the 5-semitone drop.