The B/Chicago Tuning: A Deep Dive for 5-String Guitars

The "B/Chicago" tuning is an experimental setup designed for a 5-string guitar, as highlighted by its descriptive intention to test new ideas. This tuning carves out a unique sonic space, moving beyond the conventions of standard 6-string guitar tunings or typical 5-string bass configurations. It establishes a robust low end, combined with a distinct open voicing that opens doors to intriguing harmonic possibilities.

Technical Breakdown: Open String Voicing

• String 5 (Low): B2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: B3
• String 1 (High): E4

The open strings, B2-D3-G3-B3-E4, create a specific musical texture. Analytically, these notes comprise B, D, G, and E. When strummed open, this tuning primarily articulates a rich G Major 6th chord with a low B root (G6/B - G-B-D-E, emphasizing B as the lowest note). The interval structure from the lowest to highest string is: a minor third (B to D), followed by a perfect fourth (D to G), then a major third (G to B), and another perfect fourth (B to E). This particular sequence imparts a full-bodied character that can swing between melancholic depth and bright, expansive tones.

Verbal Analysis: Sonic Potential and Chordal Shapes

With its lowest string tuned to B2, the B/Chicago tuning provides a powerful and deep fundamental, making it well-suited for musical styles that demand a substantial bass presence or unique drone capabilities. The inherent presence of the G major triad (G-B-D) within the D3, G3, and B3 strings means that open G major chords will resonate with exceptional clarity and fullness.

The open tuning itself, forming an effective G6/B chord, makes songwriting and improvisation particularly intuitive in the keys of G major and E minor, as many foundational chords and their relatives will naturally ring out. The consistent perfect fourth intervals between strings 4-3 (D-G) and 2-1 (B-E) also facilitate the easy discovery of power chords and parallel voicings by simply fretting across these string pairs. Basic chords like a B minor triad (B-D-G) can be readily formed by muting the highest string. Furthermore, the two B notes (B2 and B3) provide a strong octave reinforcement, contributing to the tuning's overall robust and full sound, especially when the root is emphasized. This tuning also invites exploration with techniques such as slide guitar, which can leverage the open string's inherent chordal qualities to create expressive glissandos and harmonies.

Current Tuning: B2 D3 G3 B3 E4

Here are the specific notes for each string in the B/Chicago tuning, listed from the lowest (thickest) string to the highest (thinnest):

• String 5: B2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: E4

How to Tune to B/Chicago

To achieve the B/Chicago tuning, please follow these instructions for each string. We will assume a common 5-string guitar tuning (such as A-D-G-B-E, with A as the lowest string) as your starting reference point.

• String 5 (Lowest String): Tune up 2 semitones to reach B2.
• String 4: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at D3.
• String 3: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at G3.
• String 2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at B3.
• String 1 (Highest String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at E4.

Always tune your guitar carefully. For tuning adjustments that exceed 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is advisable, though not strictly necessary for the single 2-semitone change required in this specific tuning.