Mylets Open B: A Resonant and Harmonic Tuning

This unique tuning, known as 'Mylets Open B', is attributed to Henry Kohen of Mylets and was noted for a new song. It creates a rich, open soundscape, primarily centered around a B Major chord, making it ideal for drone-like textures, intricate arpeggios, and expressive melodic lines within the B Major tonality. The substantial adjustments required suggest a very intentional sound design, possibly leveraging the varying string tensions for specific sonic characteristics.

Technical Analysis

The 'Mylets Open B' tuning arranges the guitar strings to:

• String 6 (Lowest): B1 (an octave lower than standard B)
• String 5: D#3
• String 4: F#4
• String 3: B3
• String 2: D#5
• String 1 (Highest): F#5

Analyzed from low to high, the intervals between adjacent strings are:

• B1 to D#3: A compound major third (17 semitones)
• D#3 to F#4: A compound minor third (15 semitones)
• F#4 to B3: A descending perfect fourth (down 5 semitones)
• B3 to D#5: A compound major third (17 semitones)
• D#5 to F#5: A minor third (3 semitones)

The recurrence of B, D#, and F# across different octaves immediately establishes a strong B Major tonality. The significant octave jumps (e.g., F#4 to B3) create interesting inversions and can lead to unique voicings.

Open Chords and Harmonic Opportunities

The open strings themselves form a rich B Major chord (B1-D#3-F#4-B3-D#5-F#5). This means:

• Instant B Major: Strumming all open strings yields a powerful, full B Major chord, perfect for anthemic passages or resonant backdrops.
• Barre Chords: By barring across any fret, you can easily transpose the B Major chord to other keys (e.g., a barre at the 1st fret gives C Major, 2nd fret C# Major, etc.). This makes a wide range of major chords immediately accessible.
• Drone Potential: The low B1 and high F#5, along with the other B, D#, and F# notes, offer excellent opportunities for sustained drone effects, allowing melodies and harmonies to float above a static, resonant base.
• Arpeggiated Voicings: The unique distribution of B, D#, and F# across the strings creates expansive arpeggiated patterns that can cover a wide tonal range with minimal left-hand movement.
• Melodic Exploration: The open intervals provide a strong harmonic foundation, allowing for melodic improvisation within the B Major scale with great resonance and sustain.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Mylets Open B

Tuning to Mylets Open B requires significant adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Please proceed with caution, especially with large semitone changes, as they can affect string tension and neck relief. For changes exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is advisable to prevent damage or ensure optimal tone.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones from E2 to B1. *Caution: This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string may be beneficial.*
• String 5 (A): Tune down 6 semitones from A2. The target note for this string is D#3. Please note that tuning down 6 semitones from a standard A2 string would typically result in a D#2. To reach D#3, you may need a lighter gauge string or a very specific technique to achieve this octave jump while retaining the stated 'down 6 semitones' movement. *Extreme caution advised; a heavier gauge string or alternative approach might be needed.*
• String 4 (D): Tune up 4 semitones from D3 to F#4. *Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a notable increase in tension; a lighter gauge string may be considered.*
• String 3 (G): Tune up 4 semitones from G3 to B3. *Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a notable increase in tension; a lighter gauge string may be considered.*
• String 2 (B): Tune up 4 semitones from B3 to D#5. *Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a notable increase in tension; a lighter gauge string may be considered.*
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 2 semitones from E4 to F#5.

Always tune slowly and check your guitar's intonation after any significant tuning change.

String 6 (Lowest): B1

String 5: D#3

String 4: F#4

String 3: B3

String 2: D#5

String 1 (Highest): F#5