About the "Big Sound" Tuning

As its name suggests, "Big Sound" is an amazing tuning designed to deliver a huge, resonant open sound. This unique 5-string configuration opens up a world of rich harmonies and a powerful sonic landscape, making it ideal for creating expansive soundscapes, driving rhythms, or evocative melodic lines. It provides a distinct character that feels both grand and surprisingly versatile.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to B1, B2, E3, G#4, D#5. Let's break down the intervals and harmonic possibilities:

• The lowest two strings (5th string B1 and 4th string B2) are tuned an octave apart, providing a strong, resonant bass foundation. This octave pairing creates a natural drone effect and adds significant depth to the overall sound.
• From the 4th string (B2) to the 3rd string (E3), we have a Perfect 4th (5 semitones). This is a common interval found in standard tuning and allows for familiar chord voicings to be adapted.
• Between the 3rd string (E3) and the 2nd string (G#4), there is a Major 3rd (4 semitones). This interval is characteristic of major chords and arpeggios, adding brightness and clarity.
• Finally, from the 2nd string (G#4) to the 1st string (D#5), we find a Perfect 5th (7 semitones). This strong, consonant interval provides a solid harmonic anchor for melodies and chord extensions.

When played open, these strings form the notes B, E, G#, D#. This configuration harmonically resembles an E Major 7th chord with a low B root (Emaj7/B). The notes E, G#, B, and D# are the components of an Emaj7 chord. With two Bs, one E, one G#, and one D#, the tuning creates a rich, sophisticated, and open voicing that makes it particularly effective for ambient textures, jazz-influenced playing, or any style where a full, ringing chord is desired without complex fingerings.

Open Chords and Possibilities

The inherent Emaj7/B chord shape of the open strings makes this tuning incredibly expressive:

• Open Emaj7/B: As described, simply strumming all open strings provides a beautiful, complex E Major 7th sound rooted on B.
• Major and Dominant Shapes: By fretting all strings at a single fret (barre chord), you can easily create rich major or dominant 7th chords due to the consistent intervals on the higher strings. For example, a single finger barred across the 2nd fret on strings 3, 2, 1 would create a higher F#maj7 type voicing, while the lower B strings provide a strong drone.
• Drone Textures: The octave B on the lowest two strings is perfect for creating powerful drones and sustained bass notes, over which melodies and harmonies can be woven on the higher strings. This is fantastic for adding depth to ambient music or folk styles.
• Slide Guitar: This tuning is particularly well-suited for slide guitar due to its open chord structure and strong, consonant intervals. Sliding into shapes will produce lush, harmonically rich glides and a full sound.

How to Tune Your Guitar for "Big Sound"

Please follow these instructions carefully to tune your guitar to "Big Sound." Pay close attention to the direction and number of semitones for each string. We recommend using a digital tuner for accuracy.

• 5th String: Tune down 5 semitones to B1. Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string may be advisable for optimal tension and tone.
• 4th String: Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
• 3rd String: Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String: Tune up 1 semitone to G#4.
• 1st String: Tune down 1 semitone to D#5.

Always tune slowly and carefully to avoid string breakage or damage to your instrument. Enjoy the vast sonic possibilities of "Big Sound!"

5th String: B1

4th String: B2

3rd String: E3

2nd String: G#4

1st String: D#5