The Open B Drone tuning transforms your guitar into a resonant soundscape, primarily emphasizing a deep, droning B. While internally labeled "E7" in some contexts, the open strings themselves naturally articulate a compelling Bsus4 chord with a minor third (B, D, E), creating a unique harmonic foundation perfect for modal playing and atmospheric textures.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning excels in situations where a powerful, sustained low end is desired. With String 6 tuned down to a B1, it serves as an excellent drone string, providing a constant, foundational rumble that underpins melodies and chords. The overall voicing is rich and dark, ideal for mid-range power chords that gain significant depth. Its design makes it remarkably easy to transition into B minor chord shapes, offering a melancholic yet full sound with minimal effort. It's fantastic for open, ringing compositions, blues, folk, or any genre that benefits from a sustained, resonant bass.

Technical Analysis

The open notes are configured as: B1-E2-B2-E3-B3-D4 (from low E to high E string). This arrangement features a strong B octave stack across strings 6, 4, and 2 (B1, B2, B3), providing immense resonance and a clear tonal center. Interspersed with E notes on strings 5 and 3 (E2, E3), this creates a powerful perfect fourth interval, giving the tuning its suspended character. The highest string, D4, provides the crucial minor third relative to the root B, rounding out the open sound as a Bsus4(add ♭3) or B minor(add 4th).

Chords that are immediately accessible with this tuning include:

• Open Bsus4/Bm(add4): Simply strumming all open strings yields this rich, complex chord.
• B Minor (Bm): By finding an F# on an appropriate string (e.g., 2nd fret on string 1, or 4th fret on string 2), you can easily form a full B minor chord. The existing B and D notes provide a strong foundation.
• Power Chords: Moving a single finger across multiple strings (e.g., barring strings 5-1 or 6-2) at various frets will produce powerful fifth chords (e.g., playing at the 2nd fret would yield a C#5/C#sus4, 7th fret would yield F#5/F#sus4, etc.).
• E minor / E7 related voicings: Due to the strong presence of E and D notes, simple two or three-finger shapes can quickly imply E minor or even E7 voicings, especially when combined with the droning B.

This tuning offers a dark, open, and harmonically rich palette, perfect for exploration beyond standard tuning.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open B Drone

To achieve the Open B Drone tuning, you will need to adjust most of your strings significantly from standard E A D G B E. Please tune carefully, especially with large drops, and consider using a heavier gauge string set if you plan to keep this tuning for extended periods.

• String 6 (Low E to B1): Tune down 5 semitones from your standard E. This is a substantial drop. Take care when tuning to B1.
• String 5 (A to E2): Tune down 5 semitones from your standard A. Another significant drop. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension to achieve E2.
• String 4 (D to B2): Tune down 3 semitones from your standard D. Tune carefully to B2.
• String 3 (G to E3): Tune down 3 semitones from your standard G. Tune carefully to E3.
• String 2 (B to B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains at its standard B3 pitch.
• String 1 (High E to D4): Tune down 2 semitones from your standard E. Tune carefully to D4.

Important Note: Strings 6 and 5 require tuning down by 5 semitones. For such significant changes (greater than 4 semitones up or down), it is generally advised to use a different string gauge to maintain proper string tension and intonation, and to prevent string breakage or damage to your guitar. Always tune slowly and carefully.