This unique tuning, originally crafted for a very small guitar, as described by its creator, presents a complex and deeply resonant sound. It's a tuning that veers away from conventional open chords, offering a rich tapestry of minor, major, and highly dissonant intervals.

Verbal Description

The Open B Minor-Major Seven (b9) tuning evokes a mysterious and somewhat tense atmosphere. The immediate clash of B (6th string) and C (5th string) creates a subtle yet profound minor second dissonance that demands attention. This isn't a tuning for simple strumming, but rather for crafting intricate melodies, arpeggios, and atmospheric soundscapes. Its unique construction lends itself well to genres requiring a sense of unease, introspection, or dramatic tension, such as progressive rock, jazz fusion, or experimental folk. The blend of a solid minor foundation with a bright major seventh and a sharp dissonance offers a wide emotional palette, ideal for creating unique harmonic textures.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to: B2-C3-D3-F#4-B3-A#4. Analyzing these notes reveals a sophisticated harmonic structure:

• B (Root): Provided by the 6th and 2nd strings, establishing a clear tonal center with octave reinforcement.
• C (Minor 2nd / Flat 9th): This note, on the 5th string, creates a strong, almost biting dissonance with the root B, a signature characteristic of this tuning.
• D (Minor 3rd): On the 4th string, it completes a B minor triad (B-D-F#) alongside the 6th and 3rd strings.
• F# (Perfect 5th): Found on the 3rd string, it reinforces the B minor tonality.
• A# (Major 7th): The highest string provides the major seventh, adding a sophisticated, almost jazz-like extension to the B minor chord, resulting in a Bm(maj7) chord structure (B-D-F#-A#).

The full open chord is a complex B minor-major seven (add b9). While inherently dissonant, this structure provides unique opportunities for voicings. Chords that might be within easy reach due to the tuning's shape include:

• Bm(maj7) Voicings: By strategically muting or avoiding the 5th string (C3), you can achieve clearer Bm(maj7) sounds that are rich and melancholic.
• Dissonant Clusters: The close intervals of B-C-D on the lower strings are ideal for creating dense, atmospheric clusters with minimal fretwork, perfect for soundscapes.
• Open Power Chords: Fret the 6th and 4th strings at the same fret to create root-fifth power chords, leveraging the B-D-F# structure.
• Melodic Runs: The octave B's and the high F# and A# make for interesting melodic movements, especially on the higher strings, allowing for intricate arpeggiated patterns.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "Open B Minor-Major Seven (b9) Tuning", follow these string adjustments from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e). Please pay close attention to the semitone movements, as some are significant:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 7 semitones from E2 to B2. Caution: Tuning up 7 semitones (more than +4 semitones) is a significant increase in tension. A thicker gauge string is highly recommended to prevent breakage and ensure proper intonation and playability.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 3 semitones from A2 to C3.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from D3 to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitones from G3 to F#3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3 to B3.
• 1st String (High e): Tune down 6 semitones from E4 to A#3. Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones (more than -4 semitones) is a significant decrease in tension. A lighter gauge string is highly recommended for optimal playability, intonation, and to prevent the string from feeling too loose.

Always tune carefully and check string tension. Consider professional setup for tunings with extreme string tension changes to protect your instrument and ensure the best playing experience.

6th String: Tuned to B2 (a deep, resonant bass note, serving as the primary root of the tuning).

5th String: Tuned to C3 (introduces a sharp, dissonant minor second/flat ninth interval to the root B, creating tension).

4th String: Tuned to D3 (provides the minor third, essential for forming a B minor triad with the 6th and 3rd strings).

3rd String: Tuned to F#4 (the perfect fifth, offering harmonic stability and completing the B minor chord).

2nd String: Tuned to B3 (an octave higher than the 6th string, adding brightness and reinforcing the root).

1st String: Tuned to A#4 (the major seventh, contributing to the sophisticated and somewhat melancholic B minor-major seven chord quality).