Open B Sus4 Tuning Analysis

This tuning, which we've named Open B Sus4, transforms your guitar into a deeply resonant and expansive instrument. Centered around a low B, it's ideally suited for genres that benefit from a powerful, driving low end, such as metal, hard rock, progressive, or ambient soundscapes. The arrangement of notes (B1-E2-B2-E3-F4#-B3) forms an open Bsus4 chord when all strings are strummed, offering a harmonically rich, often melancholic, and somewhat floating quality due to the suspended fourth. This open structure simplifies playing, allowing you to easily barre across any fret to achieve Sus4 chords up and down the neck, providing a versatile foundation for creative songwriting.

Technically, this is a drop tuning based on B, creating an open Bsus4 chord (B-E-F#). The intervals from the lowest B are: Unison (B1), Perfect 4th (E2), Octave (B2), Perfect 4th (E3), Perfect 5th (F#4), and Octave (B3). This strong foundation of roots, fourths, and a single fifth creates a cohesive and powerful sound. The low B provides a formidable anchor for crushing riffs and weighty power chords, while the higher E and F# notes add sparkle and harmonic interest, inviting melodic exploration over a stable, droning bass.

Chords and Playability:

• Open Bsus4: Strumming all open strings yields a full Bsus4 chord.
• Barred Sus4 Chords: By barring all strings at any fret, you can easily play a Sus4 chord corresponding to that fret's root note (e.g., barring at the 2nd fret yields C#sus4, 7th fret for F#sus4, etc.).
• Power Chords: The low B-E-B grouping on the lower strings makes two and three-string power chords incredibly easy to achieve with minimal effort, by simply muting higher strings or using one or two fingers.
• Sus2/Sus4 Voicings: The prevalence of perfect fourth intervals between strings (B1-E2, B2-E3) provides an excellent harmonic framework for crafting unique suspended voicings.

How to Tune:

To achieve the 'Open B Sus4' tuning, follow these instructions for each string, typically starting from standard EADGBe tuning. Please use a reliable tuner for accuracy and proceed with care, especially with significant pitch drops.

• String 6 (Low E-string): Originally E2. Tune down 5 semitones to B1. *Recommendation: A heavier gauge string is advised for this significant drop in pitch to maintain proper tension and tone.*
• String 5 (A-string): Originally A2. Tune down 5 semitones to E2. *Recommendation: A heavier gauge string is advised for this significant drop in pitch.*
• String 4 (D-string): Originally D3. Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3 (G-string): Originally G3. Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B-string): Originally B3. Tune down 5 semitones to F4#. *Note: Tuning a standard B3 string down 5 semitones would typically result in E3. The target for this string, however, is F4#. Please use an accurate tuner to achieve the F4# pitch, as the provided movement instruction may be relative to an unstated initial pitch to reach F4#. A heavier gauge string is advised due to the significant intended pitch change.*
• String 1 (High E-string): Originally E4. Tune down 5 semitones to B3. *Recommendation: A heavier gauge string is advised for this significant drop in pitch.*

String 6: B1. The lowest string provides the foundational root note, two full octaves below the standard low E, delivering immense depth and power to the tuning.

String 5: E2. This note is a perfect fourth above the low B, creating a rich harmonic drone or an accessible power chord base when played in conjunction with the 6th string.

String 4: B2. An octave of the fundamental B, this string reinforces the root, adding body and fullness to the open chord.

String 3: E3. Another perfect fourth above the root B, mirroring the interval of the 5th string and further contributing to the characteristic open Bsus4 voicing.

String 2: F4#. This string provides the crucial perfect fifth of the Bsus4 chord, positioned in a higher octave to add brightness, tension, and definition to the overall sound.

String 1: B3. The highest string returns to the root B, completing the chord in a high register and offering a clear, chiming top note that rings out over the lower notes.