Welcome to the fascinating world of the BF#DAEB Mirror Tuning, a unique and inventive setup designed for guitars, specifically optimized for nylon string and steel string minis. This tuning is the highest of five Mirror Tuning® variations, conceptualized and developed by Senchant in 2015. For more insights into this innovative system, you can visit senchant.com/mirror-tuning/.

Verbal Analysis

The BF#DAEB tuning presents a rich and expansive soundscape. It creates a deep, resonant foundation with the exceptionally low B1 on the sixth string, immediately contrasted by a bright, high B4 on the first string. This octave relationship between the lowest and highest strings gives the tuning a sense of completeness and harmonic fullness, anchoring it firmly in the key of B. The arrangement offers a blend of traditional and unconventional intervals, making it versatile for various musical styles, from ambient soundscapes to percussive fingerstyle. The presence of several perfect fifths in the upper strings suggests an open, ringing quality, while the lower strings provide a distinct, somewhat melancholic character.

Technical Analysis

• Overall Range: Spanning from a very low B1 to a high B4, this tuning offers a broad three-octave range, providing a deep sonic foundation and sparkling high notes.
• Intervallic Structure (low to high):
  • String 6 (B1) to String 5 (F#3): An impressive span of a perfect fifth across two octaves (P5 + 2 Octaves or P19).
  • String 5 (F#3) to String 4 (D3): A descending Major Third (M3 down from F#3 to D3).
  • String 4 (D3) to String 3 (A3): A Perfect Fifth (P5).
  • String 3 (A3) to String 2 (E4): A Perfect Fifth (P5).
  • String 2 (E4) to String 1 (B4): A Perfect Fifth (P5).
• Mirror Tuning Aspect: While the full 'mirror' effect can only be appreciated when comparing it to its standard counterpart within the Mirror Tuning system, the name suggests a systematic re-voicing or inversion of traditional intervals. The consistent sequence of perfect fifths (D-A-E-B) on the middle and high strings is particularly notable, reminiscent of mandolin or violin tunings, but applied to a guitar.

Open Chords & Musical Possibilities

The open strings of BF#DAEB lend themselves beautifully to specific chord voicings and melodic ideas:

• B Minor 7 (add11): The open strings (B1, F#3, D3, A3, E4, B4) naturally form a rich B minor 7 chord with an added 11th (E). Strumming all open strings will produce a full, resonant B minor 7 voicing with a suspended 4th quality due to the E4, providing a deeply melancholic or atmospheric sound.
• B Power Chord Variants: The low B1 and F#3 can be easily utilized for powerful B5 voicings, either together or with the high B4, creating robust and heavy textures.
• Fifth-based Melodies & Drones: The D-A-E-B sequence on strings 4, 3, 2, and 1, all tuned in perfect fifths, is excellent for crafting mandolin-like arpeggios, drones, and melodic lines that emphasize strong, open intervals. This structure also facilitates easy discovery of power chords and movable dominant 7th shapes along these strings.
• Resonance and sustain: The repeated B notes across three octaves (B1, B4) create a strong fundamental, allowing for great resonance and sustain, especially in ambient and fingerstyle contexts.

String Notes

String 6 (lowest): B1
String 5: F#3
String 4: D3
String 3: A3
String 2: E4
String 1 (highest): B4

How to Tune

This section details the movements required to achieve the BF#DAEB tuning. Please proceed with caution, especially for larger tuning changes. Significant tuning shifts (exceeding 4 semitones up or down) may require a different string gauge for optimal tension, playability, and to prevent potential damage to your instrument.

• String 6 (target B1): Tune down 5 semitones. This is a significant drop, meaning the string will be much looser than standard. Consider using a heavier gauge string for better tension and tone.
• String 5 (target F#3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 4 (target D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (target A3): Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 2 (target E4): Tune up 5 semitones. This is a considerable increase in tension. Consider using a lighter gauge string to prevent breakage and maintain comfortable playability.
• String 1 (target B4): Tune up 7 semitones. This is a substantial increase in tension. Consider using a lighter gauge string for optimal performance and to avoid putting undue stress on your guitar.

Always tune slowly and check string tension carefully.