Verbal Analysis

This custom tuning, which we'll call the B-A-D-C#-B-E Tuning, is a highly experimental and deep sonic landscape. As the original creator noted, it's "pretty cool" and offers a truly unique feel distinct from standard guitar tunings. It provides an expansive range, from a thunderous low B to a bright, familiar high E.

The tuning's character is characterized by its drastically lowered bass strings and the surprising melodic inversions in the mid-to-high range. The 6th string, tuned to a very low B1, lays a heavy, resonant foundation, akin to a baritone or extended-range instrument. The most striking feature is the relationship between the 3rd and 2nd strings: the 3rd string is C#4 while the 2nd string is B2. This means the 3rd string is tuned significantly higher than the 2nd string, creating a unique 'crossover' effect that completely redefines traditional chord shapes and arpeggios. This unconventional setup lends itself to progressive rock, experimental metal, ambient music, or any genre where players seek to break free from conventional guitar voicings and explore new harmonic tensions and textures.

Technical Analysis

• Open Notes: B1 (6th string), A2 (5th string), D3 (4th string), C#4 (3rd string), B2 (2nd string), E4 (1st string).
• The 6th string (B1) and 2nd string (B2) are tuned to the same note (B) across different octaves, providing a rich, resonant drone or power chord foundation.
• The 5th (A2) and 4th (D3) strings maintain their familiar A and D notes, creating a perfect fourth interval that is common in many open tunings and provides a stable melodic core.
• The most distinctive interval is between the 3rd string (C#4) and the 2nd string (B2). The 3rd string is over an octave higher than the 2nd string (a Major 9th interval from B2 to C#4). This inversion radically changes the spatial relationship of notes on the fretboard, encouraging entirely new fingerings and opening up complex, wide voicings.
• The 1st string (E4) remains at standard pitch, offering a familiar reference point for lead lines or high melodic accents.

Open Chords & Harmonic Possibilities:

• The lowest three strings (B1-A2-D3) present a strong foundation that can be interpreted as an inverted Dsus2 or Dmaj7sus2 chord (D-A-B). This provides a rich, open, and slightly melancholic drone.
• The full open string voicing (B1-A2-D3-C#4-B2-E4) contains notes from a B minor or D major scale (B, C#, D, E, A). However, the extreme octave displacements and the inverted 3rd/2nd string relationship create a unique, potentially dissonant cluster that will challenge traditional harmonic expectations. It can produce a dense, atmospheric sound.
• Common chord shapes from standard tuning will likely not translate directly due to the radical changes in string intervals. Players will need to experiment with new fingerings to discover the inherent harmonies. The tuning might favor open, ringing chords or sparse, arpeggiated figures that highlight the unique intervallic relationships.
• The duplicated B notes (B1 and B2) and the high C#4 amidst lower notes suggest opportunities for strong drone-based compositions with unexpected melodic tensions.

How to Tune

Important Note: This tuning involves significant changes in string tension. For strings tuned down by 5 or more semitones, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set to ensure proper intonation, maintain playability, and prevent potential string damage or breakage. Always tune slowly and carefully.

• 6th String (Low E): From its standard E2, tune down 5 semitones to a B1. (Note: Significant drop, heavier gauge recommended.)
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change from its standard A2. (0 semitones)
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change from its standard D3. (0 semitones)
• 3rd String (G): From its standard G3, tune down 6 semitones to a C#3. (Note: Significant drop, heavier gauge recommended.)
• 2nd String (B): From its standard B3, tune down 12 semitones to a B2. (Note: A full octave drop, heavier gauge highly recommended.)
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change from its standard E4. (0 semitones)

• String 6: B1
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: C#4
• String 2: B2
• String 1: E4