Here's a detailed analysis of the tuning named "Open B (with 4th as D)" for a Cigar Box Guitar.

Verbal Analysis

This unique tuning, aptly named "Open B (with 4th as D)", was serendipitously discovered by its creator while setting up a standard Open B tuning for a Cigar Box Guitar. The description highlights a specific deviation: the highest-pitched string (String 1) is tuned to D4 instead of the D#4 often found in a B Major open tuning. This change to a D note on the highest string is key to its character, as the creator explicitly prefers how it sounds, noting its "darker vibes" compared to a default Open B. This accidental departure from a major tonality results in a rich, resonant minor quality, perfectly suited for blues, folk, or experimental genres often explored on a CBG.

Technical Analysis

Technically, this tuning sets the four strings of your Cigar Box Guitar to specific notes: String 4 is B2, String 3 is F4#, String 2 is B3, and String 1 is D4. The notes present across the open strings (B, D, F#) collectively form a B minor triad. This means that when strummed open, the tuning immediately resolves to a B minor chord, providing the melancholic or "darker" foundation described by its creator.

• String 4 (Lowest): Tuned to B2, establishing the low root of the B minor chord.
• String 3: Tuned to F4#, which is the perfect fifth of B. Notably, this F4# is a very high pitch for a third string, creating a wide harmonic spread and a distinct character in the voicing.
• String 2: Tuned to B3, an octave above the lowest root B2.
• String 1 (Highest): Tuned to D4, the minor third of B. This specific choice (D instead of D# in a common Open B Major) is what gives the tuning its distinctive minor character.

The specific voicing, with B2 as the lowest note and the high F4# on String 3, creates a full and somewhat dramatic B minor chord. This open minor tuning makes playing songs in the key of B minor highly intuitive, as the root chord is always available without fretting. Sliding a single finger or bar across all strings at any fret will yield a minor chord corresponding to that fret (e.g., 1st fret for C minor, 2nd fret for C# minor, etc.), opening up a wide range of harmonic possibilities with minimal effort. This makes it an excellent tuning for slide guitar or for quickly forming chords up the neck, perfectly complementing the rugged charm of a Cigar Box Guitar.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Open B (with 4th as D)" tuning, follow these specific adjustments for each string from its presumed standard tuning. Always tune carefully, especially when making significant changes:

• String 4: Tune down 3 semitones to reach B2. This movement brings the lowest string to the root B.
• String 3: Tune down 1 semitone to reach F4#. This slight adjustment brings the string to its high fifth.
• String 2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string should already be at B3, an octave above the lowest B.
• String 1: Tune down 2 semitones to reach D4. This is the crucial adjustment that creates the minor third, contributing to the "darker vibes" of the tuning.

Note on String Gauge: All string movements in this tuning are within 4 semitones up or down. This means you should be able to achieve this tuning with your current string gauge without excessive tension or slack. However, always exercise caution when tuning, especially with older strings, and ensure your instrument can handle the changes.

The individual notes for each string in this tuning are:

• String 4: B2
• String 3: F4#
• String 2: B3
• String 1: D4