Verbal Analysis:

The Bsus4 (7-String Variant) tuning, with its open notes BEBEF#BF#, presents a rich, resonant soundscape. As indicated by the tuning description, it shares a conceptual similarity with the ADADEAE tuning but is shifted up two semitones, offering a brighter yet still weighty foundation on a 7-string instrument. This tuning naturally implies a B suspended 4th chord, making it an excellent choice for genres that benefit from open, sustained harmonies and deep, powerful textures. The prevalence of B, E, and F# across multiple octaves creates a strong tonal center with a drone-like quality, perfect for ambient, progressive rock, metal, or even experimental folk music styles where a full, expansive sound is desired.

Technical Analysis:

This 7-string guitar tuning is configured with the following notes from the thickest (String 7) to the thinnest (String 1) string:

• String 7: B1
• String 6: E2
• String 5: B2
• String 4: E3
• String 3: F4#
• String 2: B3
• String 1: F5#

When played open, these strings collectively form a Bsus4 chord (comprising the notes B, E, and F#). The tuning features multiple octaves of B and F#, and two octaves of E, giving it an incredibly full and harmonically rich foundation. The intervals between adjacent strings reveal some unique characteristics:

• String 7 (B1) to String 6 (E2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones up)
• String 6 (E2) to String 5 (B2): Perfect 5th (7 semitones up)
• String 5 (B2) to String 4 (E3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones up)
• String 4 (E3) to String 3 (F4#): Major 2nd (2 semitones up)
• String 3 (F4#) to String 2 (B3): A significant descending interval of 10 semitones (equivalent to a Minor 7th down). This is an unusual configuration where a thinner string (String 2) is tuned significantly lower than its adjacent thicker string (String 3). This opens up unique voicing possibilities but may require adaptation for players accustomed to ascending pitch on thinner strings.
• String 2 (B3) to String 1 (F5#): A compound Perfect 5th (19 semitones up, or a Perfect 5th plus an octave).

Chordal Opportunities:

This tuning inherently provides a powerful Bsus4 chord when strummed open, and its structure makes it easy to create variations. Barre chords are straightforward, particularly on the lower strings (7-4), allowing you to transpose the Bsus4 and Esus4 voicings up and down the neck with ease. The unusual interval between String 3 (F#4) and String 2 (B3) offers unique opportunities for interesting arpeggios, melodic lines, and potentially dissonant voicings, moving beyond standard patterns. Power chords (root-fifth-octave) are easily accessible across various string groups due to the repeated root (B) and fifth (F#) notes. Experiment with open drone notes while fretting melodic lines on higher strings to leverage the tuning's natural resonance and harmonic depth.

How to Tune:

• String 7 (B1): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains at its standard pitch for this tuning. No string gauge change is typically needed.
• String 6 (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains at its standard pitch for this tuning. No string gauge change is typically needed.
• String 5 (B2): Tune up 2 semitones. This is a minor adjustment; no string gauge change is typically needed.
• String 4 (E3): Tune up 2 semitones. This is a minor adjustment; no string gauge change is typically needed.
• String 3 (F#4): Tune down 1 semitone. This is a minor adjustment; no string gauge change is typically needed.
• String 2 (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains at its standard pitch for this tuning. No string gauge change is typically needed.
• String 1 (F#5): Tune up 2 semitones. This is a minor adjustment; no string gauge change is typically needed.

Note: All tuning adjustments for this specific tuning are within a range that generally does not require a change in string gauge (i.e., less than 5 semitones up or down). However, always exercise caution when tuning up strings to avoid breakage, especially if using older or stressed strings.

String 7: B1

String 6: E2

String 5: B2

String 4: E3

String 3: F4#

String 2: B3

String 1: F5#