Verbal Description

This is a truly unique and deeply resonant guitar tuning, taking the instrument into a realm of rich, often dark or ambient textures. The lowest string drops significantly to B1, providing a powerful, almost bass-like foundation. A striking feature is the unison G2-G2 on the middle two strings (strings 5 and 4), creating a strong, sustained drone. The inclusion of D#4 and G4# introduces elements of augmented harmony and bright, piercing highs, which can lead to intriguing dissonance or expansive, shimmering chords when paired with the lower strings.

This tuning would excel in genres like experimental rock, doom metal, ambient soundscapes, or any style seeking a profound, wide-ranging sonic palette. It encourages exploration beyond conventional chord shapes, inviting players to discover new harmonic possibilities and resonant open voicings that exploit the extreme string intervals and the inherent augmented quality. It's a tuning that demands a re-evaluation of fingerboard logic, rewarding players with unique melodic and harmonic opportunities.

Technical Analysis

Open String Pitches:

From the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string, the open pitches are B1, G2, G2, D#4, A3, G4#.

Intervals Between Adjacent Open Strings:

• String 6 (B1) to String 5 (G2): A wide minor 6th (9 semitones up), contributing to a deep, full sound.
• String 5 (G2) to String 4 (G2): A perfect unison (0 semitones), creating a strong, sustained drone.
• String 4 (G2) to String 3 (D#4): A massive leap of two octaves and an augmented 5th (33 semitones up). This extremely wide interval drastically alters conventional chord voicings and opens up vast sonic space.
• String 3 (D#4) to String 2 (A3): A descending diminished 5th (6 semitones down). This unusual interval for adjacent strings fosters tension and unique melodic contours.
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (G4#): Another substantial jump of an octave and a major 7th (23 semitones up). This makes for a very bright, high top end contrasting with the lower register.

Open Chords & Harmonies:

• The prominent G2-G2 unison strongly suggests a G drone or G-centric harmony as a foundation.
• The notes B, G, and D# combine across different octaves to form a G augmented triad (G-B-D#). This lends an expansive, suspended, or unsettling quality to open voicings, perfect for creating dramatic tension or unresolved, shimmering soundscapes.
• The full open tuning contains the notes B, G, D#, A, G# (enharmonically Ab). This collection creates a complex and often dissonant, yet rich harmonic canvas, hinting at possibilities for experimental jazz-fusion, progressive metal, or creating dense, atmospheric soundscapes.
• Traditional chord shapes will be entirely recontextualized due to the unison and extreme interval jumps. Players will likely find success focusing on open string resonance, two or three-note clusters, and single-string melodic lines to navigate this unique harmonic landscape.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Open B Augmented Drone' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps for each string:

• String 6 (Lowest E): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. (Note: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 7 semitones to G2. (Note: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.)
• String 3 (G): Tune down 4 semitones to D#4.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (Highest E): Tune down 8 semitones to G4#. (Note: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.)

Important Tuning Considerations:

For strings where the tuning adjustment exceeds negative 4 semitones (i.e., -5 or lower) or positive 4 semitones (i.e., +4 or higher), a different gauge string is strongly advised. This helps maintain proper string tension, intonation, and prevents potential damage to your guitar.

String 6 (Lowest): B1

String 5: G2

String 4: G2

String 3: D#4

String 2: A3

String 1 (Highest): G4#