Verbal and Technical Analysis of Open B m7 Tuning

This unique guitar tuning, named Open B m7, is famously employed by the talented guitarist Owen Van Larkins (Candyrat Records) in a number of his compositions. It offers a rich, resonant soundscape that immediately evokes a specific harmonic color and feel.

Technically, the open strings of this tuning for a standard six-string guitar are set to B1, A2, D3, F4#, A3, and D4 (from the lowest string to the highest). Let's break down the chord tones and their implications:

• 6th String (B1): This is the root note of the B minor 7 chord.
• 5th String (A2): This note represents the minor seventh of B.
• 4th String (D3): This note is the minor third of B.
• 3rd String (F4#): This note forms the perfect fifth of B.
• 2nd String (A3): This is another minor seventh of B, an octave higher than the 5th string.
• 1st String (D4): This is another minor third of B, an octave higher than the 4th string.

The arrangement of these notes means that simply strumming the open strings produces a full, ringing B minor 7 chord. This makes it exceptionally convenient for playing in the key of B minor, with natural open string drones and rich voicings readily available. The doubling of the minor third (D) and minor seventh (A) across different octaves adds considerable depth, resonance, and sustain to the overall sound, creating a lush harmonic foundation.

This tuning strongly encourages a distinctive approach to chord voicings and arpeggios. Minor 7 chords are instantly accessible across the fretboard by barring, allowing for easy transposition of the open Bm7 shape. The specific intervals between the strings (minor 7th, perfect 4th, major 3rd, minor 3rd, perfect 4th) open up unique melodic and harmonic possibilities, particularly advantageous for fingerstyle players who can leverage the open strings as sympathetic drones against fretted notes. This characteristic makes the Open B m7 tuning ideal for crafting intricate and harmonically rich compositions, as masterfully demonstrated by Owen Van Larkins.

How to Tune to Open B m7

To achieve the Open B m7 tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these specific string movements. It is important to pay attention to the degree of tuning adjustment for each string.

• 6th String (Low E to B1): Tune down 5 semitones. (Original E → Target B1)
  Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a very significant change. If you plan to use this tuning frequently, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string for your 6th string to maintain appropriate tension and tone, and to prevent potential string flop or buzzing.
• 5th String (A to A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). (Original A → Target A2)
• 4th String (D to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). (Original D → Target D3)
• 3rd String (G to F4#): Tune down 1 semitone. (Original G → Target F4#)
• 2nd String (B to A3): Tune down 2 semitones. (Original B → Target A3)
• 1st String (High E to D4): Tune down 2 semitones. (Original E → Target D4)

Once all strings are adjusted, your guitar will be tuned to B1, A2, D3, F4#, A3, D4, allowing the open strings to beautifully resonate as a B minor 7 chord.