Tuning Overview: E7sus Baritone

The "E7sus Baritone" tuning is a unique and deeply resonant setup, ideally suited for a baritone guitar due to its significantly lowered pitch. As indicated by its original description, it's an inventive attempt to blend characteristics of B and A baritone tunings, resulting in a rich, thick sonic palette that diverges dramatically from standard guitar tuning. This makes it an excellent choice for players seeking profound low-end textures, atmospheric soundscapes, heavy rock, or exploratory jazz-fusion.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to B1 - E2 - B2 - D3 - E3 - B3 (from the lowest to the highest string). This arrangement creates a distinct and complex harmonic foundation:

• The foundation is built on B, with the lowest string tuned to B1, followed by E2 (a perfect fourth), and B2 (an octave) on the next two strings. This establishes a powerful and expansive root.
• The open strings collectively yield the notes B, D, and E. Analyzing these intervals from the lowest B, we find the Root (B), a perfect 4th (E), an octave (B), a minor 3rd (D), a perfect 4th (E), and another octave (B).
• Harmonically, this tuning strongly implies an E minor 7th chord with a B in the bass (Em7/B), or alternatively, a B minor chord with an added 4th (Bminadd4). The repeated B and E notes across multiple octaves, combined with the minor third (D), give the open tuning a full, complex, and slightly melancholic character.

Verbal Description & Playability

This tuning offers a deeply immersive and often brooding sound, perfect for generating massive, sustained chords and powerful single-note lines. The inherent minor third and suspended fourth qualities over the B root lend themselves well to bluesy motifs, dark ambient textures, or progressive rock. While standard chord shapes will generally not translate, the open strings themselves form a rich, ready-to-play Em7/B (or Bminadd4) chord. This allows for surprisingly full and impactful chords with minimal fingerings, often achievable with simple barres or two-finger shapes.

Power chords will sound exceptionally robust, especially across the lower string pairs (e.g., 6th and 5th strings for B-E, or 4th and 3rd strings for B-D). The consistent intervals between the B and E notes (perfect fourth and octave) provide familiar melodic anchors, but the overall unique structure invites players to experiment and discover entirely new voicings. It is particularly effective for thick, layered arrangements that demand a formidable low-end presence.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

Given the significant downward tuning across most strings, particularly those exceeding a 4-semitone drop, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set specifically designed for baritone or very low tunings. This will help maintain optimal string tension, intonation, and playability. Tune slowly and carefully to avoid string breakage or damage to your instrument.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones from E2 to B1. (Heavy gauge string advised due to -5 semitone drop)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones from A2 to E2. (Heavy gauge string advised due to -5 semitone drop)
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones from D3 to B2.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. (Heavy gauge string advised due to -5 semitone drop)
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 7 semitones from B3 to E3. (Heavy gauge string advised due to -7 semitone drop)
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 5 semitones from E4 to B3. (Heavy gauge string advised due to -5 semitone drop)

All movements are described relative to standard guitar tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E).

6th String (B1): Tuned to B1, this provides an exceptionally deep and foundational bass note, perfect for driving rhythms and drone effects.

5th String (E2): Tuned to E2, it forms a perfect fourth interval with the low B, contributing significantly to the open E minor 7th chord voicing.

4th String (B2): Tuned to B2, an octave above the lowest string, it reinforces the root note with added richness and power.

3rd String (D3): Tuned to D3, it creates a minor third interval with the adjacent B2, which is crucial for the tuning's melancholic and bluesy character.

2nd String (E3): Tuned to E3, it functions as a perfect fourth above B2 and a major second above D3, enhancing the suspended qualities and harmonic extensions.

1st String (B3): Tuned to B3, it completes the octave with B2 and provides a higher resonant point, ideal for melodic lines and complex chord voicings.