Tuning Analysis: Open B madd2

The 'Open B madd2' tuning, designed for the Guitar, is a deeply resonant and harmonically rich setup. Despite its rather unique name, it provides a powerful foundation, reminiscent of an open minor chord with intriguing extensions. This tuning transforms the instrument into a soundscape builder, perfect for genres that thrive on thick, sustained chords and a robust low end, such as doom metal, progressive rock, or ambient sound design.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, this tuning centers around a massive B minor sound. The open strings themselves form a rich B minor add9 chord (B, D, F#, C#), with a strong emphasis on the B root and the F# perfect fifth. The 'madd2' in the name perfectly describes the presence of the C# (major 2nd or 9th above B), which adds a captivating suspension and complexity to the otherwise minor tonality. Strumming all open strings yields a full, resonant chord that is both dark and expansive, providing immediate harmonic interest without any fretting. The repeated F# across multiple octaves (F#3, F#4, F#5) creates a harmonically stable and powerful drone effect, making sustained chords sound immense. This tuning is ideal for creating droning riffs, massive power chords, and intricate melodic lines that weave through its inherent harmonic density.

Technical Analysis

The tuning notes are B1-F3#-D3-F4#-C5#-F5# (from lowest to highest string). Let's break down the intervals relative to the lowest B1 string:

• 6th String (B1): The root, a very deep note providing a solid foundation.
• 5th String (F#3): A perfect fifth above B (displaced two octaves up from B1). This reinforces the B tonality strongly.
• 4th String (D3): A minor third above B (displaced two octaves up from B1). This is what primarily establishes the minor character of the tuning.
• 3rd String (F#4): Another perfect fifth above B, an octave higher than the 5th string. This further emphasizes the dominant harmony.
• 2nd String (C#5): A major second (or major ninth) above B. This interval gives the tuning its 'add2' or 'add9' quality, creating a rich, suspended-like tension that resolves beautifully into the minor triad, or stands on its own as a unique sonority.
• 1st String (F#5): The highest F#, completing the triad and providing a bright, high-octave perfect fifth.

The open strings fundamentally create a B minor add9 chord (B-D-F#-C#), voiced across three octaves with additional F# notes. This means that a simple strum can sound incredibly full and harmonically advanced. Due to the inherent intervals, moving basic chord shapes up and down the neck will likely yield interesting and often powerful results. Barre chords, for instance, will maintain the B minor add9 structure relative to the new root, creating a powerful set of movable chords. The wide string spacing and the rich drone potential make this tuning excellent for open-string melodic figures and percussive techniques.

How to Tune

Please follow these instructions carefully to achieve the 'Open B madd2' tuning from standard E Standard tuning. Always tune slowly and carefully.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. Caution: A drop of 5 semitones is a significant change in tension. For optimal playability and to prevent floppiness, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string. Tune slowly to avoid damage.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 2 semitones to C#5.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 2 semitones to F#5.