Verbal Analysis

This tuning, which we've named "Bmaj6/9 Open Tuning," offers a remarkably rich and resonant sound when strummed open. The resulting B major 6/9 chord (B, C#, D#, F#, G#) is bright, full, and has a sophisticated, almost jazzy or contemporary feel, making it ideal for fingerstyle passages, ambient textures, or songwriting that requires a unique harmonic foundation. The wide range of notes, spanning multiple octaves, creates a shimmering quality, particularly with the high D#5 and G#5. This tuning encourages exploration of arpeggios and drone notes, especially with the low B string providing a strong root.

However, players should be aware that this tuning involves very significant tension increases on most strings. The low E string is tuned up by a substantial 7 semitones, and all other strings are specified to be tuned up by 4 semitones. If starting from standard EADGBe tuning, achieving the target D#5 and G#5 notes on strings 2 and 1 from just a 4-semitone increase is not possible without an additional octave jump. This implies an extremely high tension load (equivalent to 16 semitones up from standard for these strings) which is highly likely to break standard gauge strings and could potentially damage your guitar. It is strongly recommended to use much lighter gauge strings, or even consider having the guitar professionally set up for this specific tuning if you intend to regularly use the D#5 and G#5 pitches.

Technical Analysis

The open notes of this tuning are B2, C#4, F#4, B3, D#5, G#5 (from low E to high E string positions). When played open, these notes form a B major 6/9 chord (B, C#, D#, F#, G#). The intervals across the open strings are quite varied:

• String 6 (B2) to String 5 (C#4): Major 9th (14 semitones)
• String 5 (C#4) to String 4 (F#4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 4 (F#4) to String 3 (B3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 3 (B3) to String 2 (D#5): Major 10th (16 semitones)
• String 2 (D#5) to String 1 (G#5): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)

The prevalence of Perfect 4ths between several strings provides some familiar intervals for chord voicings, while the large intervallic jumps, particularly the Major 9th and Major 10th, contribute to the unique and expansive sound. Chords built around the Bmaj6/9 foundation will naturally sound harmonious, and exploring shapes based on sliding this open chord up and down the neck will yield rich harmonic variations. Due to the significant upward tension requirements, particularly for the highest strings if targeting D#5 and G#5, string gauge selection and instrument setup are critical considerations.

The open notes for this tuning are as follows:

• String 6 (low E string position): B2
• String 5 (A string position): C#4
• String 4 (D string position): F#4
• String 3 (G string position): B3
• String 2 (B string position): D#5
• String 1 (high E string position): G#5

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

Given the significant upward tuning required for most strings, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution. Tuning up more than 4 semitones can place immense stress on your strings and instrument. For this tuning, especially considering the specified target notes for strings 2 and 1, a different (lighter) string gauge set and professional guitar setup are strongly advised.

• String 6 (Low E to B2): Tune up 7 semitones (from E2 to B2). This is a very substantial increase in tension. Consider a lighter gauge string.
• String 5 (A to C#4): Tune up 4 semitones (from A3 to C#4). This is a considerable increase in tension; proceed with caution or consider a lighter gauge.
• String 4 (D to F#4): Tune up 4 semitones (from D4 to F#4). This is a considerable increase in tension; proceed with caution or consider a lighter gauge.
• String 3 (G to B3): Tune up 4 semitones (from G3 to B3). This is a considerable increase in tension; proceed with caution or consider a lighter gauge.
• String 2 (B to D#5): Tune up 4 semitones. Please be aware: If starting from a standard B3, tuning up 4 semitones would yield D#4. To achieve the target D#5, an additional octave adjustment would be needed, resulting in an overall 16 semitone increase from standard B3. This level of tension is extreme and carries a very high risk of string breakage and potential instrument damage. Using a much lighter string gauge and consulting a luthier for setup is highly recommended for the D#5 target.
• String 1 (High E to G#5): Tune up 4 semitones. Please be aware: If starting from a standard E4, tuning up 4 semitones would yield G#4. To achieve the target G#5, an additional octave adjustment would be needed, resulting in an overall 16 semitone increase from standard E4. This level of tension is extreme and carries a very high risk of string breakage and potential instrument damage. Using a much lighter string gauge and consulting a luthier for setup is highly recommended for the G#5 target.