Discover the "B Major 6/7 Open Tuning," a rich and harmonically complex setup that transforms your guitar into a resonant soundscape. This unique tuning, apparently inspired by an Instagram find from a musician with a red Gibson SG, opens up a world of sophisticated harmonic possibilities.

Verbal Analysis

With its low B string providing a deep foundation, this tuning immediately offers a full, almost orchestral resonance. Strumming the open strings unleashes a B Major 7th chord with an added 6th (Bmaj7add6), creating a sound that feels simultaneously jazzy, bluesy, and even cinematic. The intervals between the strings are not conventional, lending themselves to interesting drone effects and a rich, sustained texture. It's a tuning that encourages exploration beyond standard chord shapes, inviting the player to discover unique voicings and melodic lines that resonate beautifully with the open strings. The overall feel is one of depth and lush harmony, perfect for introspective pieces, experimental rock, or a sophisticated approach to fingerstyle.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is based on the notes B1, F#3, D#4, G#4, A#4, D#5 (from lowest to highest string). Analyzing these notes reveals a powerful B major tonality, enriched with characteristic extensions:

• Root: B1 (6th string)
• Perfect 5th: F#3 (5th string)
• Major 3rd: D#4 (4th string)
• Major 6th: G#4 (3rd string)
• Major 7th: A#4 (2nd string)
• Octave + Major 3rd: D#5 (1st string)

The open strings collectively form a B Major 7th (add6) chord (B - D# - F# - G# - A#). This dense voicing means that simply strumming the open strings provides a complete, sophisticated harmony. This makes it incredibly easy to establish a complex harmonic base. Players can effortlessly shift this entire chord up or down the neck by barring across all strings at any fret, instantly generating a Bmaj7(add6) equivalent in other keys (e.g., barring at the 2nd fret yields C#maj7(add6)). Experiment with muting specific strings to simplify the chord, for instance, muting the 3rd and 2nd strings will yield a powerful B Major triad with the root, 5th, and 3rd.

The consistent presence of the Major 3rd (D#) on both the 4th and 1st strings, combined with the Perfect 5th (F#) on the 5th string, firmly anchors the tuning in B major. The closely voiced G# (M6) and A# (M7) on the 3rd and 2nd strings create intriguing melodic and harmonic tension, inviting blues and jazz-inflected phrasing. This tuning is excellent for slide guitar, drone music, or any style where a rich, open, and sustained harmonic texture is desired.

How to Tune: B Major 6/7 Open Tuning

To achieve the B Major 6/7 Open Tuning, adjust your guitar strings from standard tuning (EADGBe) as follows. Please take note of the significant string movements:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant drop. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone to prevent floppiness or intonation issues.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 1 semitone to D#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 1 semitone to G#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone to A#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 1 semitones to D#5.

Always tune carefully and check your intonation after significant changes. Small adjustments to your truss rod may be necessary if you notice changes in neck relief due to the altered string tension.