B Dorian Tuning: A Modal Canvas for Creative Voicings

This tuning, aptly named "B Dorian," is designed to immerse your playing in the distinct modal flavor of B Dorian. As indicated in its description, it aims to facilitate "easy chords" within this mode, making it an excellent choice for exploring jazz, fusion, or melancholic and evocative soundscapes.

Verbal Analysis:

B Dorian mode evokes a minor, yet slightly brighter and more "open" feel than a natural minor. It shares the same tonic (B) and minor third (D) as B minor, but features a raised 6th (G# if it were present) and a natural 7th (A). This tuning sets a rich harmonic foundation, allowing the guitarist to effortlessly tap into this modal character. The significant drops in the lower strings provide a deep, resonant low end, while the higher strings offer bright, modal extensions.

Technical Analysis & Chord Possibilities:

The open strings are tuned to B1 - F#3 - D3 - A3 - C#5 - E4 (low to high).

• The combination of B, D, F#, A across the lower strings forms a complete B minor 7th (Bm7) chord. This makes open Bm7 voicings incredibly rich and easy to achieve with minimal fretting, especially on the lower four strings.
• Adding the C# (9th) on the second string and E (11th) on the first string results in an open Bm11 voicing (B-D-F#-A-C#-E). This highly extended minor chord is instantly available, providing a sophisticated, jazzy sound without complex fingerings.
• The wide intervallic jumps, particularly the perfect fifth between the 6th (B) and 5th (F#) strings, create a powerful, drone-like bass foundation for single-note lines or open string chords.
• The relative minor 3rd (F# to D) and perfect 4th (D to A) on the middle strings facilitate easy power chords and modal runs, making it intuitive to find strong harmonic anchor points.
• The presence of the B Dorian scale tones (B, C#, D, E, F#, A) across the open strings means that many Dorian-specific voicings will fall naturally under the fingers, often requiring minimal fretting. Chords like Bsus2 (B-F#-C#) and Bsus4 (B-F#-E) are readily available.
• Barre chords based on the low B will inherently pick up the modal extensions from the higher open strings, leading to unique and colorful sounds that are typical of Dorian harmony. Experiment with simple shapes to discover complex voicings that resonate beautifully in this tuning.

This tuning encourages exploration beyond standard major/minor shapes, offering a fresh perspective for composition and improvisation within the B Dorian mode.

Tuning Notes:

The tuning for your guitar is as follows, from the thickest (6th) string to the thinnest (1st) string:

6th String: B1
5th String: F#3
4th String: D3
3rd String: A3
2nd String: C#5
1st String: E4

How to Tune:

To achieve the B Dorian Tuning from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these adjustments for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones from its standard E2 pitch to B1. Caution: A significant drop of 5 semitones is beyond the recommended 4 semitone limit and may require a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 3 semitones from its standard A2 pitch to F#3.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard D3 pitch.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones from its standard G3 pitch to A3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 2 semitones from its standard B3 pitch to C#5.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard E4 pitch.