Tuning Analysis: Beagle

The 'Beagle' tuning is a distinctive and deeply resonant setup for your guitar, characterized by significant alterations to the lower strings while maintaining some standard pitches on the higher strings. According to its description, it is well-suited for both intricate Fingerstyle techniques and powerful Metal playing, indicating a versatile tuning capable of producing both heavy, driving rhythms and nuanced, atmospheric textures.

Technical Breakdown

• Open Notes: B1 E2 D3 G3 A3 E4 (from lowest to highest string).
• Relative to Standard EADGBe Tuning:
  • String 6 (E2) is tuned down 5 semitones to B1.
  • String 5 (A2) is tuned down 5 semitones to E2.
  • String 4 (D3) remains D3.
  • String 3 (G3) remains G3.
  • String 2 (B3) is tuned down 2 semitones to A3.
  • String 1 (E4) remains E4.
• Intervals (from string to string, low to high):
  • String 6 (B1) to String 5 (E2): Perfect 4th (P4)
  • String 5 (E2) to String 4 (D3): Minor 7th (m7)
  • String 4 (D3) to String 3 (G3): Perfect 4th (P4)
  • String 3 (G3) to String 2 (A3): Major 2nd (M2)
  • String 2 (A3) to String 1 (E4): Perfect 5th (P5)

Verbal Observations & Chords

This tuning's most striking feature is the exceptionally low B1 on the 6th string, providing an incredibly deep, resonant, and almost guttural foundation. This is a significant asset for metal genres, enabling crushing low-end riffs and powerful, drone-like passages. The 5th string is also dramatically lowered to E2, creating a perfect fourth interval with the lowest B (B1-E2). While not a traditional root-fifth power chord, this root-fourth relationship can be exploited for heavy, chugging riffs with a unique harmonic flavor.

The middle D3 and G3 strings retain their standard tuning, offering familiar reference points for incorporating common chord shapes and scales into this altered landscape. The 2nd string is tuned down to A3, creating an interesting Major 2nd interval with the open G string (G3-A3) and a Perfect 5th with the top E string (A3-E4). This combination suggests possibilities for both darker, melancholic voicings and bright, open textures, appealing to fingerstyle players seeking new harmonic palettes.

While not an open chord tuning, the specific intervals present unique harmonic opportunities:

• Deep Power Chords & Drones: The B1 and E2 strings provide an exceptionally strong low end. For instance, fretting the 2nd fret on both the 6th and 5th strings (yielding C# and F#) creates a robust C# power chord, which can ring out against the open D, G, A, and E strings for complex harmonic backdrops. The open B1-E2 itself forms a powerful 4th interval for rhythmic chugging.
• Open Dsus4add9: The combination of notes from the 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings (D3-G3-A3-E4) forms a beautiful, resonant Dsus4add9 chord. This can serve as an excellent base for intricate fingerstyle arpeggios, ambient compositions, or as a rich, open-string voicing in many musical contexts.
• Minor & Modal Voicings: The presence of the B1 and D3 (on strings 6 and 4, respectively) implies a minor third relationship, which can be easily expanded into B minor or G major related harmonies. Experiment with open voicings that utilize the low B for a dark root and the D-G-A-E cluster for upper extensions.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Beagle' tuning from standard EADGBe, carefully follow these string movement instructions. Please pay close attention to string gauge recommendations for significant pitch changes:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones from E2 to B1. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change in string tension. A heavier gauge string (e.g., for baritone or 7-string guitar) is strongly advised to maintain optimal playability, tone, and to prevent potential damage.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 5 semitones from A2 to E2. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change in string tension. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain optimal playability, tone, and to prevent potential damage.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from D3 to D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G3 to G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4 to E4.

String 6: B1 - The lowest string, tuned down significantly to a very deep B an octave below B2.

String 5: E2 - Tuned down to E, forming a perfect fourth interval with the lowest B.

String 4: D3 - Remains at standard D pitch.

String 3: G3 - Remains at standard G pitch.

String 2: A3 - Tuned down to A, creating a major second interval with the G string.

String 1: E4 - Remains at standard high E pitch.