Tuning Analysis: Open B Minor Embellished

This tuning, originally known as 'Clear Tuning 2' and designed for the Guitar, is presented as an 'improved' version by its creator. It offers a unique and expansive sonic landscape, blending deep resonance with intricate harmonic possibilities.

Verbal Analysis

The 'Open B Minor Embellished' tuning delivers an immediate sense of depth and openness, often evoking a contemplative or melancholic atmosphere. The very low B1 on the thickest string provides a powerful, almost foundational rumble, setting a dark and rich backdrop. The overall arrangement of notes creates a spacious, almost ethereal quality, making it particularly well-suited for ambient soundscapes, drone music, and intricate fingerstyle compositions. There's a strong, centered presence due to the recurring B notes across octaves, allowing other notes to interweave and create shimmering, complex overtones.

Technical Analysis

The string configuration for this tuning is B1 G2 B2 D3 B3 E4. This setup reveals a clear B minor tonality at its core, evidenced by the presence of B notes across three different octaves (B1, B2, B3) and a D3. When strummed open, this naturally forms a rich and resonant B minor chord (B-D-B). The inclusion of G2 and E4 adds significant harmonic depth and versatility:

• B Minor Foundation: The primary triad of B minor (B-D-B) is strongly established across the 6th, 4th, and 2nd strings, providing a solid and melancholic base.
• G Major Voicings: The notes G2, B2, and D3 together form a G major chord. When combined with the low B1, this allows for versatile G major voicings, including G/B, enhancing the tuning's melodic and harmonic range.
• E Embellishment: The E4 on the highest string acts as an intriguing embellishment. It creates a perfect fourth interval above B, or a minor third above G, adding an 'add11' or 'sus4' flavor to a B minor context, or contributing to an E minor sound depending on emphasis. This expands the harmonic palette for more complex and open-ended chord structures.

The wide range of notes, from the deep B1 to the bright E4, makes this tuning capable of supporting both rumbling bass lines and sparkling, high-register melodies. The strategic repetition of the B note across multiple strings enhances the tuning's sustain and provides excellent opportunities for resonant drones.

How to Tune

To set your guitar to the 'Open B Minor Embellished' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these specific string adjustments. Please exercise caution, especially with significant semitone changes. For drops exceeding 4 semitones, a different gauge string is often advised for optimal tension and performance, and to prevent excessive slack or buzzing.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones from E2 to B1. (Note: This is a substantial drop. Consider a heavier gauge string to maintain tension and clarity.)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 3 semitones from D3 to B2.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. (Note: Another significant drop. Similar considerations as String 6 regarding string gauge apply.)
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remaining B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remaining E4.

• String 6: B1
• String 5: G2
• String 4: B2
• String 3: D3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: E4