Tuning Overview: Open B Harmonic Major

This unique Guitar tuning, aptly named Open B Harmonic Major, is an expressive and complex setup designed to unlock the distinct sonorities of the B Harmonic Major scale. As its description states, the open strings feature six notes directly derived from this exotic scale, providing a rich, modal canvas for exploration.

Technical Breakdown:

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Tuning Name: Open B Harmonic Major
• Core Concept: This tuning is meticulously crafted to present 6 notes of the B Harmonic Major scale across its open strings, fostering a specific harmonic environment.
• Open String Notes (low to high): B1, F3#, D4#, A4#, C5#, G4
• Harmonic Context: The B Harmonic Major scale consists of the notes B, C#, D#, E, F#, G, A#. This tuning beautifully incorporates B (root), C# (Maj 2nd), D# (Maj 3rd), F# (Perf 5th), G (min 6th), and A# (Maj 7th) across its open strings. The unique 'minor 6th' interval (G) within a major framework is a hallmark of the Harmonic Major scale, providing a distinctive melancholic yet bright quality.

Verbal Analysis & Chords:

Unlike more common open tunings that typically present a simple major or minor triad, Open B Harmonic Major offers a much more sophisticated harmonic landscape. The open strings resonate with a full, complex chord that can be interpreted as a B Major 7 chord with an added 9th and a flattened 6th (B-C#-D#-F#-G-A#). This creates a sound that is both grand and slightly mysterious, characteristic of the Harmonic Major scale's unique intervallic structure.

While not immediately lending itself to standard chord shapes, this tuning encourages players to explore new voicings and melodic possibilities:

• Open Chord: The full open tuning provides a rich Bmaj7(add9, b6) voicing. Barring across any fret will transpose this complex chord, allowing for explorations in different keys while retaining the Harmonic Major flavor.
• Implied Chords: You can easily find subsets of chords. For instance, strings 6, 4, 5, 3 (B, D#, F#, A#) give you a powerful B Major 7. Adding the C# on string 2 would create a B Major 9 (B, C#, D#, F#, A#).
• Melodic Focus: This tuning is exceptionally well-suited for playing arpeggios and melodic lines that emphasize the unique intervals of the Harmonic Major scale. The arrangement of notes lends itself to fluid scalar passages and drone-like accompaniment, particularly effective in fusion, progressive, or world music contexts.
• Harmonic Tension: The inclusion of the G (b6) against the B Major 7 framework creates interesting tension and resolution opportunities, inviting experimentation with voice leading and chord alterations.

Overall, Open B Harmonic Major is a specialist tuning for guitarists looking to delve into advanced harmonic concepts and discover fresh sonic territories beyond conventional major/minor frameworks. It promises a deep and rewarding experience for the adventurous player.

How to Tune: Open B Harmonic Major

To achieve the Open B Harmonic Major tuning, please adjust each string according to the instructions below. These instructions specify the target note for each string and the necessary semitone adjustment. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is highly recommended to ensure playability and prevent string breakage.

• 6th String: Tune to B1. This requires tuning down 5 semitones. ⚠ Extreme Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant alteration. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tone, tension, and to prevent potential floppiness.
• 5th String: Tune to F3#. This requires tuning down 3 semitones.
• 4th String: Tune to D4#. This requires tuning up 1 semitone.
• 3rd String: Tune to A4#. This requires tuning up 3 semitones. ⚠ Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones increases string tension. Proceed carefully.
• 2nd String: Tune to C5#. This requires tuning up 2 semitones.
• 1st String: Tune to G4. This requires tuning up 3 semitones. ⚠ Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones increases string tension. Proceed carefully.

Open String Notes (Low to High):

• 6th String: B1
• 5th String: F3#
• 4th String: D4#
• 3rd String: A4#
• 2nd String: C5#
• 1st String: G4