Tuning Analysis: Alt Open B (No Chord Found)

This is an intriguing custom tuning, aptly named "Alt Open B," reflecting its unique take on a B-based open tuning. The creator's note, "An alternative open B tuning I wrote a track on," suggests a functional, musically inspiring setup despite not forming a simple major or minor chord in the open position.

Verbal Analysis

The tuning has a profound, resonant foundation with the lowest string tuned significantly down to B1. It creates a complex, open voicing, hinting at extended harmonies rather than simple triads. The presence of B, F#, and A (Root, Perfect 5th, and minor 7th) is prominent, suggesting a Bm7 or B7 tonality, even without an explicit 3rd. The high C# acts as a Major 9th, adding a contemporary, suspended, or 'add9' flavor to the overall sound.

The wide intervallic jumps between strings (e.g., from B1 on the 6th string to F3# on the 5th) contribute to a spacious and ethereal sound. This can be particularly effective for ambient textures, arpeggios, or slide guitar, allowing individual notes to ring clearly without clashing. While not a conventional open chord, the open strings provide a strong B-F# drone, making it very versatile for playing over B minor or B dominant 7th progressions. Chords built upon this foundation will often have an expansive or jazz-influenced quality. For instance, fretting a D on the 5th string (which is tuned to F#) at the 5th fret would yield a B minor 7th chord, and a D# at the 6th fret would give a B dominant 7th.

Technical Analysis

The open strings of this tuning are: B1 - F3# - B2 - F4# - A3 - C5# (from lowest to highest). All strings are tuned down from standard EADGBe, indicating a preference for lower string tension. This can result in a slinkier feel and a deeper tone, though for the significant drops, a thicker string gauge is often advised for optimal playability and intonation. The lower four strings (B1, F3#, B2, F4#) establish a powerful B5 (root-fifth) foundation with octave voicings. The addition of A3 provides a minor seventh, while C5# introduces a major ninth, creating a sophisticated and unique harmonic landscape.

How to Tune

To achieve this Alt Open B tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string movements:

• String 6 (Low E to B1): Tune down 5 semitones. This is a significant drop; using a heavier gauge string is advised to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• String 5 (A to F3#): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 4 (D to B2): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 3 (G to F4#): Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 2 (B to A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (High E to C5#): Tune down 3 semitones.

String 6: B1 - The lowest string, tuned significantly down to a very deep B, providing a powerful, rumbling bass foundation.

String 5: F3# - Tuned to F# in the third octave, forming a perfect fifth with the low B, contributing to the rich low-end.

String 4: B2 - An octave higher than the lowest string, reinforcing the B root with an open and resonant quality.

String 3: F4# - An octave higher than the 5th string, continuing the perfect fifth interval above the root, adding harmonic brightness.

String 2: A3 - Tuned to A in the third octave, introducing a minor seventh above the B root, which adds a bluesy or jazzy character.

String 1: C5# - The highest string, tuned to C# in the fifth octave, adding a major ninth extension that creates a contemporary, open-ended voicing.