Tuning Overview: G11 (B2)

The G11 (B2) tuning transforms your guitar into a resonant instrument, ideally suited for exploring rich harmonic textures, particularly through fingerpicking. As the name suggests, the open strings form a full G11 chord, providing an immediate and lush foundation for improvisation and composition.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning is designed to be highly evocative, offering a wide, open sound that leans towards jazz, blues, and contemporary folk styles. The prominent B2 on the fourth string (originally D) offers a lower, richer third for the G chord, making it a fantastic anchor for melodic lines and complex voicings, especially when fingerpicking. The overall sonic character is full and warm, with a subtle tension provided by the dominant 7th (F) and the 11th (C) being played together in the open position. It encourages a more chordal approach to playing, where open strings blend seamlessly with fretted notes.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are configured as follows: C2 - G2 - B2 - F3 - A3 - D4 (low to high). This arrangement perfectly spells out a G11 chord:

• C2: The 11th of G, providing a deep, foundational color.
• G2: The root, establishing the tonic.
• B2: The major 3rd, giving the chord its quality.
• F3: The dominant 7th, adding tension and bluesy flavor.
• A3: The 9th, enhancing the jazzy extension.
• D4: The 5th, providing stability and fullness.

Chordal Opportunities

Beyond the open G11, this tuning simplifies access to a variety of extended chords:

• G11: Play all open strings. This is your primary open chord.
• C11: Barre all strings at the 5th fret.
• D11: Barre all strings at the 7th fret.
• G Dominant 7th: Play open strings, possibly muting or avoiding the C2 (6th string) and A3 (2nd string) to emphasize the root, 3rd, 5th, and 7th (G B D F). This can be achieved by selectively picking.
• The consistent intervals on the higher strings (M3, P4) can facilitate interesting melodic and harmonic patterns, especially for arpeggios and fingerstyle passages that utilize the lower B2 as a drone or bass note.

How to Tune Your Guitar to G11 (B2)

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Please tune each string carefully, checking your pitch with a reliable tuner. Remember to adjust slowly to avoid string breakage.

• 6th String (Low E): From E2, Tune down 4 semitones to C2. Note: This is a significant drop. If your strings feel too loose, consider a heavier gauge.
• 5th String (A): From A2, Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): From D3, Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• 3rd String (G): From G3, Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• 2nd String (B): From B3, Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): From E4, Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Important: Tuning the 6th string down by 4 semitones (from E to C) is a substantial change. While generally safe, if you frequently use tunings with such large drops, a heavier gauge string set is highly recommended to maintain proper string tension and intonation.

Open String Notes

Here are the notes for each open string, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st):

• 6th String (Low E string): Tuned down to C2. This deep bass note is the 11th of the G11 chord, adding a powerful, resonant low end.
• 5th String (A string): Tuned down to G2. This is the root of the G11, providing a solid foundation for the tuning.
• 4th String (D string): Tuned down to B2. This major third gives the G11 its quality and is specifically highlighted for fingerpicking due to its rich tone.
• 3rd String (G string): Tuned down to F3. This is the dominant 7th, introducing a characteristic tension and bluesy feel.
• 2nd String (B string): Tuned down to A3. As the 9th, it adds a sophisticated, jazzy extension to the chord.
• 1st String (High E string): Tuned down to D4. This is the 5th, completing the chord and adding sparkle to the high end.