Tuning Overview: BFBEBE

The BFBEBE tuning is a deep and resonant open tuning for the guitar, characterized by its prominent low B notes and the inclusion of F# and E. This tuning creates a rich, often melancholic or ethereal soundscape, making it particularly well-suited for genres like blues, folk, slide guitar, and drone-based music where sustain and open voicings are desired.

Technically, this tuning is derived from a standard EADGBe tuning through significant down-tuning across the majority of the strings. The open string notes are B1-F#3-B2-E3-B3-E4. Analyzing these notes reveals a clear B root, with F# acting as a perfect fifth and E as a perfect fourth. The open strings themselves form a rich Bsus4 chord (B-E-F#) across multiple octaves, providing a full, suspended harmony without fretting any notes. The repetition of B (on strings 6, 4, and 2) and E (on strings 3 and 1) at different octaves creates powerful drones and allows for expansive, ringing chord voicings. The intervals from the lowest B are: Root (B1), Perfect 5th (F#3), Octave (B2), Perfect 4th (E3), Octave (B3), and another Perfect 4th (E4). This structure encourages creative exploration of suspended chords, open voicings, and slide techniques, providing a distinct sonic texture.

Chords that are easily accessible or suggested by this tuning include a powerful B5 (B-F#-B) simply by strumming the lowest three strings. The full open strum creates a lush Bsus4 chord (B-E-F#). Moving a single finger or a barre shape up the neck will yield various suspended and open chords, often with a drone effect from the unmuted strings. For example, a barre across the 2nd fret would yield a C#sus4, and across the 7th fret, an F#sus4, maintaining the open, ringing quality. The arrangement also lends itself to exploring modal harmonies around B, E, and F#.

How to Tune to BFBEBE

To achieve the BFBEBE tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments carefully:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones from E to B1. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone to prevent floppiness or potential damage.)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones from A to F#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 3 semitones from D to B2.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G to E3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B to B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E to E4.

Always tune carefully, checking intonation and string tension, especially when making large pitch adjustments. Ensure your guitar's setup can handle the reduced string tension without fret buzz.

Tuning Notes Breakdown

The open strings for this BFBEBE tuning are set as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): B1
• String 5 (A): F#3
• String 4 (D): B2
• String 3 (G): E3
• String 2 (B): B3
• String 1 (High E): E4