This is the B7sus4 Modal tuning for Guitar, a unique and expressive setup. As described, it is a fourths and fifths tuning with a pretty good range, excellent for exploring suspended chords and various modal voicings.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to B1, F#3, B2, E3, A3, E4 (from lowest to highest string). This creates a distinct and non-linear pitch progression across the instrument's six strings.

• The lowest string (String 6) is a very deep B1, providing a powerful and resonant foundation.
• The interval from String 6 (B1) to String 5 (F#3) is a substantial two octaves and a perfect fifth (31 semitones). This creates a wide sonic gap between the two lowest strings, allowing for interesting drone textures or dramatic melodic jumps.
• Following this, String 5 (F#3) drops a perfect fifth (7 semitones down) to String 4 (B2), which is an unusual downward interval for adjacent strings but contributes to the unique character of this tuning.
• The subsequent strings (4, 3, 2, 1) are tuned in consecutive perfect fourths: B2 to E3 (P4), E3 to A3 (P4), and A3 to E4 (P4). This 'all fourths' section on the higher strings provides a highly consistent and logical fretboard layout, simplifying the transposing of shapes.

Verbal Analysis & Chordal Opportunities

The open strings (B, F#, B, E, A, E) inherently form a B7sus4 chord (B - Root, E - suspended fourth, F# - perfect fifth, A - minor seventh). This makes it an excellent tuning for modern jazz, fusion, ambient, or experimental music where suspended harmonies and rich modal voicings are central.

• The open tuning's strong B7sus4 voicing makes it ideal for immediate strumming or arpeggiation of this chord, providing a rich, open sound.
• The series of perfect fourths on the top four strings (B2-E3-A3-E4) allows for easy transposing of chord shapes and scale patterns across this section of the fretboard, similar to an all-fourths tuning. This simplifies playing various chord inversions and arpeggios that fit within a modal context.
• Due to the unique string intervals, standard chord shapes will generally need to be re-learned or adapted. However, the consistent 'fourths' section provides a familiar framework for lead playing and creating innovative new voicings.
• The wide interval between String 6 and String 5 can be exploited for powerful drone notes, expansive voicings, or to create a distinct textural contrast.

How to Tune

To achieve the B7sus4 Modal tuning, you will adjust your guitar strings from their standard EADGBe tuning as follows:

• String 6 (Lowest String): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones is a very significant change. For optimal tone, intonation, and string tension, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string for this position.
• String 5: Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 4: Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3: Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2: Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (Highest String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Always tune carefully and gently, especially when making larger interval changes, to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument.

String 6: B1
String 5: F#3
String 4: B2
String 3: E3
String 2: A3
String 1: E4