Verbal Analysis:

This tuning, named "Deep F#sus4 Open", is a compelling adaptation derived from Nullberry's acclaimed "Benzo" track. It offers a distinctively low, rich, and resonant soundscape, presenting a slightly less extreme version than the original to accommodate guitarists less inclined towards radical string tension adjustments. The overall feel is deep, often melancholic, and harmonically dense, making it ideally suited for atmospheric compositions, downtempo genres, or intricate fingerstyle playing where the sustained open strings can weave complex, layered textures. The fundamental F#7sus4 chord, readily available by strumming the open strings, serves as an excellent drone, perfect for improvising modal melodies or crafting arpeggios over a static harmonic foundation.

Technical Analysis:

• Open Chord: The open strings are C#3, F#3, C#4, E3, B3, F#5. When viewed from the lowest F# (F#3 on the 5th string), these notes form an F#7sus4 chord. The constituent notes are F# (Root), B (Perfect 4th), C# (Perfect 5th), and E (Minor 7th), with several notes doubled across octaves. Specifically, the open tuning provides: C# (P5), F# (R), C# (P5), E (♭7), B (P4), F# (R). This arrangement creates a very full, suspended dominant chord that rings with impressive sustain and depth.
• Chord Voicings & Accessibility:
  • Open F#7sus4: Strumming all open strings effortlessly yields a lush and immediate F#7sus4 chord, setting a distinct harmonic mood.
  • F#m, F#maj, F#7: By applying minimal fretting, variations of F# chords become highly accessible. For example, modifying the B note on the 2nd string (B3) to an A (minor 3rd) would suggest F# minor harmonies, while an A# (major 3rd) would hint at F# major. The presence of the E (♭7) inherently supports F#7 voicings.
  • Suspended Harmonies: The prevalence of the Perfect 4th (B) and Perfect 5th (C#) across the open strings naturally promotes the creation of suspended and modal chord voicings, offering rich harmonic textures beyond basic major/minor.
  • Drone Potential: The deeply tuned F# and C# notes provide a formidable bass foundation, making this tuning excellent for drone-based music, ambient soundscapes, or repetitive ostinato patterns.
  • Power Chords: Simple two-finger power chords (root-fifth) are intuitively formed across adjacent strings, leveraging the inherent root-fifth-root structure present (e.g., F# on the 5th string and C# on the 4th string).
  • Octaves: The varied tuning configuration creates unique opportunities for octave shapes. Notably, the 6th string (C#3) and 4th string (C#4) are a perfect octave apart, as are the 5th string (F#3) and 1st string (F#5), facilitating interesting melodic and textural approaches.

How to Tune:

This tuning involves significant downward adjustments for several strings and one upward shift, resulting in a dramatic change to the guitar's sonic landscape. It is crucial to proceed cautiously and monitor string tension during the tuning process.

• String 6 (Low E): From standard E2, tune down 3 semitones to C#3. This is a substantial drop in pitch and tension, so adjust slowly.
• String 5 (A): From standard A2, tune down 3 semitones to F#3. This also represents a notable decrease in tension, requiring care.
• String 4 (D): From standard D3, tune down 1 semitone to C#4. This is a more moderate adjustment.
• String 3 (G): From standard G3, tune down 3 semitones to E3. Another significant drop in pitch, handle with caution.
• String 2 (B): From standard B3, keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3. This string maintains its standard pitch.
• String 1 (High E): From standard E4, tune up 2 semitones to F#5. This is an upward adjustment, so monitor string tension carefully to prevent breakage.

String Gauge Advisory: Several strings in this tuning undergo significant changes in pitch: Strings 6, 5, and 3 are tuned down by 3 semitones, while String 1 is tuned up by 2 semitones. While tuning down by 3 semitones is just below the threshold of 4 semitones where a different string gauge is strongly advised, it is still a substantial change that will reduce string tension significantly, potentially affecting intonation and playability. For optimal performance, intonation, and to ensure string stability, consider using a heavier gauge string set for the dropped strings (6th, 5th, and 3rd). Conversely, tuning up the 1st string by 2 semitones increases tension; if this feels excessively tight, a slightly lighter gauge for that string might be beneficial, especially if you intend to maintain this tuning for extended periods.