BDAEAC#E Guitar Tuner

BDAEAC#E | BDAEAD♭E BDAEAc#E - Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - BDAEAc#E

Its the common alternative tuning daeac#e but for 7 strings with a B in the bass

Tuning Analysis: Low B Open Dmaj9

This unique 7-string guitar tuning, internally named BDAEAc#E, is a powerful extension of the common alternative tuning DAEAC#E, adapted for a 7-string instrument by incorporating a deep, resonant B in the bass. It offers a vast sonic palette for players seeking rich open voicings, expansive chordal textures, and drone capabilities across an extended range.

Verbal Analysis

Imagine a sound that is both expansive and deeply resonant, with a clear, shimmering top end. This tuning delivers a full, almost orchestral quality, thanks to its complex open chord structure and the extended low B range. The core DAEAc#E section, reminiscent of open D tunings, provides a bright, sustained quality, making it excellent for fingerstyle, folk, or ambient music. The high C# adds a sparkling, almost bell-like quality to the upper register, creating a beautiful contrast with the deep bass. Strumming the open strings produces a rich, sophisticated harmony that feels complete and resonant, inviting exploration of new melodic and chordal ideas. This tuning can evoke moods ranging from contemplative to majestic, making it versatile for various musical expressions that benefit from dense, sustained chords and an extended low end.

Technical Analysis

This tuning for a 7-string guitar sets the notes as B1-D2-A2-E3-A3-C#5-E4, from the lowest to the highest string. The open strings, when strummed, form a complex chord. The core D-A-E-A-C#-E section is an Open D Major 9th chord (D-F#-A-C#-E, with an added E as the 11th). The presence of the low B (B1) acts as a pedal tone, effectively creating a B minor 7 (missing 5th) chord with added 9th (C#) and 11th (E). Analysing the intervals from the lowest B (B1):

String 7 (B1): The fundamental root note.
String 6 (D2): A minor 3rd above B.
String 5 (A2): A perfect 5th above D, and a minor 7th above B.
String 4 (E3): A perfect 5th above A, and an 11th (perfect 4th) above B.
String 3 (A3): A perfect 4th above E, and an octave higher minor 7th above B.
String 2 (C#5): A major 3rd above A (the lower A string), and a 9th (major 2nd) above B. Note the significant jump in octave.
String 1 (E4): A perfect 4th above B (the lower B string an octave higher), and an octave higher 11th (perfect 4th) above B.

The intervals create a powerful and rich harmonic cluster. The perfect 5th relationships between strings 6-5 (D-A) and 5-4 (A-E) allow for easy formation of power chords and strong bass lines. The minor 3rd between the lowest two strings (B-D) contributes to a darker, more brooding quality in the bass. The openness of Dmaj9 in the upper strings (D-A-E-A-C#-E) means that simple barres can create full major 9th chords across multiple strings, for instance, fretting all strings 6-1 at the 2nd fret would yield Emaj9, and at the 5th fret, Gmaj9. The high C#5 and E4 strings offer opportunities for shimmering arpeggios, melodic leads, and bright, sustained drones over the richer lower harmony.

How to Tune (from Standard 7-String B-E-A-D-G-B-E)

To set your 7-string guitar to the Low B Open Dmaj9 tuning, begin with a standard 7-string tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E). Carefully adjust each string according to the instructions below. Always use a reliable tuner and exercise caution when tuning up strings to avoid breakage.

String 7 (Lowest B1): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
String 6 (E2 to D2): Tune down 2 semitones.
String 5 (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
String 4 (D3 to E3): Tune up 2 semitones.
String 3 (G3 to A3): Tune up 2 semitones.
String 2 (B4 to C#5): Tune up 2 semitones.
String 1 (Highest E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

String 7 (lowest): B1 - This string remains at the standard low B for a 7-string guitar, acting as the powerful, deep foundation and root of this extended tuning. Its presence provides a rich, resonant bass.

String 6: D2 - Tuned down 2 semitones from a standard E, this string provides a minor third above the low B. It contributes significantly to the full, dark open chord voicing and allows for impactful low-end melodic and rhythmic patterns.

String 5: A2 - Retained at its standard A pitch, this string forms a perfect fifth with the D string above it, and a minor seventh with the lowest B. It acts as a stable harmonic anchor within the tuning.

String 4: E3 - Tuned up 2 semitones from a standard D, this E forms a perfect fifth with the A string below it and an eleventh (or perfect fourth) to the lowest B. It's a key component of the Open Dmaj9 core, adding brightness and sustain.

String 3: A3 - Tuned up 2 semitones from a standard G, this A forms a perfect fourth with the E string below it and an octave higher minor seventh to the lowest B. Its ringing quality enhances open chords and drone effects.

String 2: C#5 - Tuned up 2 semitones from a standard B, this C# is a high note, serving as the major third of the implied D major chord within the core Dmaj9, and the ninth of the overall B minor harmonic structure. It adds a shimmering, bright quality to the upper register.

String 1 (highest): E4 - This string remains at its standard E pitch. It functions as an octave higher eleventh (or perfect fourth) relative to the lowest B and the major ninth (or second) of the implied D major. It allows for familiar melodic playing while contributing to the tuning's rich upper harmonics.