Verbal Description

The Open G6sus2 tuning is a unique and resonant variant that builds upon the foundational Open G tuning, with some distinctive twists. As its name suggests, it creates an open G6sus2 chord when strummed openly, offering a rich and full sound. It's described as a variation of G6 tuning with the second string dropped from B to A – or a variation of Gsus (DGDGAD) with the first string kept on E. This provides a versatile sonic landscape, perfect for folk, blues, and alternative styles, allowing for easy drone notes and interesting harmonic possibilities. The relatively small string movements make it accessible for players without requiring significant string gauge changes.

Technical Analysis

This tuning transforms the standard EADGBe into D-G-D-G-A-E (from low E to high E string). Let's break down the intervals relative to a G root, as implied by "Open G6sus2":

• String 6 (D): The perfect fifth of G.
• String 5 (G): The root note.
• String 4 (D): The perfect fifth of G, an octave higher.
• String 3 (G): The root note, an octave higher.
• String 2 (A): The major second (or 9th) of G.
• String 1 (E): The major sixth of G.

The open strings thus form the notes G, A, D, E – which precisely constitute a G6sus2 chord (G-A-D-E). The repeated D and G notes across the lower strings provide a strong, droning foundation. The presence of the major 2nd (A) and major 6th (E) gives this tuning a bright, open quality with a subtle jazz or folk inflection.

Open Chords and Possibilities:

• Open G6sus2: Simply strumming all open strings produces the rich G6sus2 chord.
• Barre Chords: A full barre across any fret will yield interesting voicings, often sounding like sus2 or add6 chords depending on the fret. For instance, a barre at the 2nd fret would produce A6sus2 (A-D-A-D-B-F#).
• Drone Potential: The repeated D and G notes are excellent for creating droning effects, especially useful in roots music, folk, and ambient styles.
• Easy Fifth Intervals: The D-G-D-G structure on the lower four strings makes power chords and fifth intervals easily accessible by simply barring two strings at a time.
• Sus2/Add2 Harmony: The inherent 'sus2' nature due to the 'A' on the second string encourages melodic phrasing and chords that lean into suspended or added-two harmonies, moving away from strict major/minor tonality.

How to Tune

To achieve the Open G6sus2 tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A to G2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at E4.

Note on String Tension: All string movements are within a safe range (maximum of 2 semitones down) and typically do not require a change in string gauge. However, always exercise caution when tuning, especially if tuning significantly up or down, and consult a luthier if unsure.

String 6 (Low E string): D2
String 5 (A string): G2
String 4 (D string): D3
String 3 (G string): G3
String 2 (B string): A3
String 1 (High E string): E4