Verbal Analysis

The Open B Major 7 tuning offers a rich, full, and slightly jazzy or ethereal sound right from the open strings. It creates a lush sonic landscape, making it ideal for ambient textures, fingerstyle compositions, or blues and rock where a strong, resonant foundation is desired. Playing in this tuning can feel intuitive, as simply strumming all open strings produces a beautiful B major seventh chord. This opens up possibilities for effortless drone notes and creating complex harmonies with minimal effort, allowing for immediate musicality.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the open strings to B2 F#3 B2 D#4 F#4 A#4 (from the 6th low E string to the 1st high E string). The notes collectively form a B Major 7 (Bmaj7) chord, consisting of the root (B), major third (D#), perfect fifth (F#), and major seventh (A#).

• The low B2 on both the 6th and 4th strings provides a deep, resonant foundation and opportunities for powerful octaves.
• The repetition of F# on the 5th (F#3) and 2nd (F#4) strings creates further octaves, adding depth and sustain to the overall chord.
• The interval structure between adjacent strings is as follows:
  • 6th string (B2) to 5th string (F#3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones) up.
  • 5th string (F#3) to 4th string (B2): Perfect 4th (7 semitones) down.
  • 4th string (B2) to 3rd string (D#4): Major 3rd + Octave (16 semitones) up.
  • 3rd string (D#4) to 2nd string (F#4): Minor 3rd (3 semitones) up.
  • 2nd string (F#4) to 1st string (A#4): Major 3rd (4 semitones) up.
• The open strings directly forming a Bmaj7 chord means that simply barring across any fret will automatically generate other major 7th chords. For example, a barre on the 1st fret would yield a Cmaj7, 2nd fret a C#maj7, and so on, making chord progressions exceptionally smooth.
• The unique layout, particularly the repeated low B and the large interval jumps, can lead to interesting melodic possibilities, playing melodies over a sustained Bmaj7 harmony or creating unique voicings not easily accessible in standard tuning.

How to Tune to Open B Major 7

To achieve the Open B Major 7 tuning, you will adjust your strings from standard EADGBe tuning according to the instructions below. Please take care when making significant tuning changes, as this can affect string tension and potentially damage your guitar or strings if not handled properly.

• String 6 (Low E to B2): Tune up 7 semitones. Note: This is a significant tension increase (+7 semitones) from a standard E2. To reduce the risk of string breakage and ensure optimal tone and playability, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string.
• String 5 (A to F#3): Tune down 3 semitones. Note: This movement is within a safe range for standard string gauges.
• String 4 (D to B2): Tune down 3 semitones. Note: This movement is within a safe range for standard string gauges.
• String 3 (G to D#4): Tune down 4 semitones. Note: This movement is within a safe range for standard string gauges, but take care as it approaches the common limit where string tension can become very loose.
• String 2 (B to F#4): Tune down 5 semitones. Note: This is a significant tension decrease (-5 semitones) from a standard B3. For optimal performance and to avoid a 'floppy' or buzzing feel, consider using a lighter gauge string for this string.
• String 1 (High E to A#4): Tune down 6 semitones. Note: This is a significant tension decrease (-6 semitones) from a standard E4. For optimal performance and to avoid a 'floppy' or buzzing feel, consider using a lighter gauge string for this string.