Verbal Description

The "Bm7 add4" tuning presents a deep, rich, and somewhat dark sonic landscape, making it exceptionally well-suited for styles requiring a powerful, resonant foundation and unique harmonic textures. The open strings offer an immediate chordal richness, encouraging exploration of melancholic melodies, intricate fingerstyle patterns, or heavy, sustained riffs. Its unusual string arrangement provides a distinct character that stands apart from more conventional tunings, inviting players to discover new voicings and sonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

This tuning's open string notes are B1-E2-B2-D3-F#4-A3, from the lowest (String 6) to the highest (String 1). These notes collectively form an open Bm7(add4) chord. The core B minor 7th chord is established by the Root (B), minor third (D), perfect fifth (F#), and minor seventh (A), with the addition of the perfect fourth (E) adding further harmonic depth. Key technical features include:

• Root Reinforcement: The presence of B on both the 6th string (B1) and 4th string (B2) creates a strong, resonant root foundation, perfect for powerful low-end drones and chord voicings.
• Unique Top String Inversion: A notable and distinctive characteristic is the pitch inversion between the top two strings: String 2 is F#4, while String 1 is A3. This descending minor third interval (F# to A below it) between adjacent strings is uncommon and opens up unique melodic and harmonic possibilities, particularly for arpeggios and chord extensions.
• Chordal Foundation: The lowest three strings (B1-E2-B2) effectively form a Bsus4-like drone, providing a powerful and somewhat ambiguous base upon which to build.
• Intervallic Structure (relative to B1): Root (B1), Perfect 4th (E2), Octave (B2), Minor 3rd (D3), Perfect 5th (F#4), Minor 7th (A3).

Chordal Exploration

The open Bm7(add4) chord is immediately available, providing a rich, complex harmony without fretting any notes. This makes it an excellent tuning for atmospheric pieces or for quickly establishing a minor tonality. Movable chord shapes built upon this foundation will inherently carry the Bm7(add4) characteristic. The low B-E-B grouping is fantastic for heavy power chords or droning bass lines. Exploring simple one or two-finger additions to the open strings can quickly yield a variety of minor, suspended, or even dominant-related voicings. The unique F#4-A3 interval on the high strings can be creatively used for distinctive melodic runs or to create unique chord clusters and textures not easily achievable in standard tuning.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

These tuning adjustments involve significant changes to string tension. For movements exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), a different, heavier gauge string set is strongly advised to maintain optimal playability, intonation, and to prevent potential damage to your instrument. Always use a reliable tuner and proceed with caution, especially with large pitch changes.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. This change exceeds 4 semitones; consider heavier gauge.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. This change exceeds 4 semitones; consider heavier gauge.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. This change exceeds 4 semitones; consider heavier gauge.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 5 semitones to F#3. This change exceeds 4 semitones; consider heavier gauge.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 7 semitones to A3. This change exceeds 4 semitones; consider heavier gauge.

Important Note on String 2: The explicit 'string_movements' instructions lead to F#3 when tuning down 5 semitones from standard B3. However, the 'tuning_notes' provided in the JSON list String 2 as F#4. If your goal is to achieve the F#4 as stated in the final tuning notes, this would require a different tuning movement from standard B3 (e.g., tuning up 7 semitones from B3) or a different string setup entirely. For this 'How to Tune' section, the strict 'string_movements' instruction (B3 down 5 semitones to F#3) has been followed. Always verify your final tuning with a precise tuner against the desired target notes of B1-E2-B2-D3-F#4-A3.

Regarding the JSON's `tuning_description` stating, "This tuning has all the same notes as B standard just rearranged." It's important to clarify that while this tuning shares some common notes with B standard (B-E-A-D-F#-B), its specific arrangement of B1-E2-B2-D3-F#4-A3 makes it a distinct and custom tuning. Differences like B2 instead of A2 on string 4, and the F#4-A3 pairing on the higher strings, create a unique harmonic and melodic landscape that goes beyond a simple rearrangement, offering a fresh approach compared to traditional B standard.

String 6 (Lowest String): Tuned to B1

String 5: Tuned to E2

String 4: Tuned to B2

String 3: Tuned to D3

String 2: Tuned to F#4

String 1 (Highest String): Tuned to A3