Verbal Description

The "Esus4/Esus2/A6sus2" tuning is a rich and resonant setup, aptly described as a 'Rhythm tuning for a 145 progression'. It carves out a unique harmonic landscape, characterized by its open, sustained quality ideal for atmospheric rhythm work. The tuning establishes a deep foundation with its low B string, while the thoughtful repetition of E and B notes across various octaves creates a powerful, droning texture. A distinct characteristic is the F4# on the second string. This note, unusually high for a typically lowered string, contributes a bright, shimmering, almost bell-like quality, adding a vibrant sparkle to the overall sound. This tuning encourages expansive open chord voicings and modal playing, making it exceptionally versatile for creating textured soundscapes.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the guitar to B2 E2 A2 E3 F4# B3 (from low to high). Analyzing the open string intervals relative to the lowest B string (6th string):

• 6th String (B2): The Root note.
• 5th String (E2): A Perfect 4th above B.
• 4th String (A2): A Minor 7th above B.
• 3rd String (E3): A Perfect 4th above B, an octave higher than the 5th string.
• 2nd String (F4#): A Perfect 5th above B, two octaves higher than the 6th string. This high F# is a pivotal voice in the tuning.
• 1st String (B3): An Octave above B, an octave higher than the 6th string.

The open strings (B, E, A, F#) themselves imply a Bsus4 chord (B-E-F#) with an added minor 7th (A), giving it a Bm11 (without a 3rd) quality. The flexibility of this tuning is highlighted by its name:

• Esus4 / Esus2: If E is considered the root (e.g., by emphasizing the 5th or 3rd strings), the open strings contain E (root), A (4th), B (5th), and F# (2nd/9th). This collectively forms an Eadd9sus4 chord (E F# A B), providing a bright and ambiguous harmonic base.
• A6sus2: When A is taken as the root (e.g., emphasizing the 4th string), the available notes (A, B, E, F#) perfectly outline an A6sus2 chord (A B E F#). This characteristic makes the tuning exceptionally useful for compositions centered around A major or its related modes.

The extensive use of unison and octave notes (B2-B3, E2-E3) provides remarkable harmonic depth, making it ideal for creating rich drone effects and resonant rhythmic passages. This tuning facilitates simple single-finger barres across all strings to generate captivating variations of suspended, add2, or 6th chords. It's perfectly suited for crafting expansive rhythm guitar parts and immersive, textural soundscapes.

How to Tune

To achieve the Esus4/Esus2/A6sus2 tuning from standard EADGBe, please follow these precise string adjustments. It is crucial to use a reliable tuner and exercise caution, especially with significant pitch changes. For any string movement exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is strongly advised to consider using a different string gauge to ensure optimal string tension and prevent potential string breakage.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 7 semitones from E2 to B2. Caution: This is a substantial upward pitch change. A lighter gauge string is recommended to prevent excessive tension.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones from A2 to E2. Caution: This is a significant downward pitch change. A heavier gauge string is advised to maintain adequate tension.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 5 semitones from D3 to A2. Caution: This is a significant downward pitch change. A heavier gauge string is advised to maintain adequate tension.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G3 to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 5 semitones from B3. This movement, starting from standard B3, results in F#3. Note: The specified target note for this tuning is F4#. To achieve F4# from a standard B3 string, you would typically need to tune up 7 semitones (B3 to F#4), which contradicts the provided 'tune down 5 semitones' instruction. If F4# is the desired target, a very light gauge string might be necessary, or the string might need to be sourced from a higher-pitched instrument (e.g., a ukulele or banjo string). Caution: The provided movement is a significant downward change. If targeting F#3, a heavier gauge string is recommended.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 5 semitones from E4 to B3. Caution: This is a significant downward pitch change. A heavier gauge string is advised to maintain adequate tension.