Description

This intriguing tuning, known as E F B F B D, offers a unique sonic landscape, drawing inspiration from tunings like the one featured in American Football's 'Never Meant.' As described, it's a half-step down from F A C G C E, immediately signaling its departure from conventional guitar setups and its leaning towards more experimental and resonant textures often found in math rock and emo genres. Players can expect a distinct feel and sound that encourages new chord voicings and melodic possibilities, moving away from standard fingerings and opening up a world of rich, open harmonies.

Technical Breakdown: Open String Notes

• 6th String (Lowest): D2
• 5th String: B2
• 4th String: F#4
• 3rd String: B3
• 2nd String: F#4
• 1st String (Highest): E4

Harmonic Implications & Open Chords

This unique arrangement immediately presents several key characteristics. Notice the presence of two F#4s (on the 4th and 2nd strings) and two Bs (B2 on the 5th and B3 on the 3rd string). This creates strong octaves and perfect fifths across the fretboard. For instance, the B2 (5th string) and F#4 (4th string) form a perfect fifth, as do the B3 (3rd string) and F#4 (2nd string). The D2 on the lowest string, combined with the B and F# notes, establishes a strong B minor triad (B, D, F#) when the lower strings (6, 5, 4, 3, 2) are strummed together, yielding D2, B2, F#4, B3, F#4. This makes open B minor power chords incredibly resonant and easily accessible across different string sets.

When strumming all open strings (D2, B2, F#4, B3, F#4, E4), the resulting sound is complex and full. It can be interpreted as a B minor 7 (B, D, F#) with an added 4th/11th (E), or perhaps a D Major 9#11 (D, F#, B, E). The highest string (E4) creates an interesting, sharp minor 2nd interval with the adjacent F#4, offering a dissonant yet colorful tension that can be exploited for melodic interest or quick hammer-ons/pull-offs. This tuning is particularly well-suited for open, ringing chord progressions, arpeggios, and intricate fingerstyle pieces where the natural resonance of the B, D, and F# notes can truly shine. Melodies played on the higher strings will have a unique harmonic interaction with the underlying B minor tonality provided by the lower strings.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the 'E F B F B D' tuning, follow these specific string adjustments. It's generally advised to be cautious when tuning strings significantly up or down. For movements exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), consider using a different string gauge to ensure optimal tension and prevent string breakage or intonation issues.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 4 semitones to F#4. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; a different string gauge may be advised for long-term use.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 4 semitones to B3. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; a different string gauge may be advised for long-term use.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 5 semitones to F#4. Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial change; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.