Introducing the E Sus4 Lullaby tuning, a captivating arrangement designed for a dreamy, resonant soundscape. As described by its creator, this tuning emerged from a desire to craft a Sean Angus Watson-inspired lullaby, blending elements of math rock and Midwest emo sensibilities. The goal was to achieve an open, rich texture without the need to replace all strings, making it accessible yet distinct.

Technical Analysis:

• Open String Notes: E2 A2 B2 E3 B3 E4
• Chordal Structure: The open strings inherently form an E suspended 4th (Esus4) chord (E-A-B). This provides a harmonically rich, yet gently unresolved, sound perfect for ambient textures, arpeggios, and fingerstyle compositions. The abundance of E and B notes creates a strong, resonant foundation.
• Interval Analysis:
  • Low E (6th) to A (5th): Perfect 4th (P4)
  • A (5th) to B (4th): Major 2nd (M2)
  • B (4th) to E (3rd): Perfect 4th (P4)
  • E (3rd) to B (2nd): Perfect 5th (P5)
  • B (2nd) to E (1st): Perfect 4th (P4)
• Pattern Recognition: A notable pattern emerges on the higher strings: E3-B3-E4 (3rd, 2nd, 1st strings) forms a strong E power chord shape (E5) and its octave. Furthermore, the B2-E3-B3-E4 (4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st strings) sequence offers highly sympathetic drones and makes for incredibly fluid melodic lines and easily movable chord shapes. The tuning's structure allows for a strong, ringing upper register.

Chord Accessibility & Playability:

The E Sus4 Lullaby tuning provides a versatile canvas for composition. The open Esus4 chord offers an immediate, evocative sound. Because of the strong E and B presence, various E-based chords are highly accessible:

• E Major / E Minor: While open, the Esus4 can easily be resolved to an E Major by fretting the 5th string's A up to G# (at the 2nd fret). E Minor can also be achieved with relative ease.
• Power Chords: The E-B-E structure on the higher strings makes forming power chords (E5, B5, A5, etc.) exceptionally straightforward by simply barring across the top strings and moving the shape.
• Drone Chords: The numerous open E and B strings facilitate rich drone notes, perfect for creating atmospheric soundscapes and sustained harmonies.
• Arpeggios & Fingerstyle: The open, resonant nature of the tuning, particularly the E-B-E intervals, lends itself beautifully to intricate arpeggiated patterns and fingerstyle playing, allowing for lush, harmonically dense passages.
• Movable Shapes: The consistent intervals on the higher strings mean that many chord shapes, once discovered, can be easily transposed up and down the neck, opening up a world of melodic and harmonic possibilities.

This tuning is ideal for players looking to explore unique harmonic textures, create expansive soundscapes, and delve into styles requiring open, ringing chords and versatile melodic capabilities, perfectly embodying its lullaby and math-rock inspirations.

How to Tune to E Sus4 Lullaby:

To achieve the E Sus4 Lullaby tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change. Tune to E2 (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change. Tune to A2 (0 semitones).
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones from D to B. The target note is B2.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G to E. The target note is E3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change. Tune to B3 (0 semitones).
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change. Tune to E4 (0 semitones).

Important Considerations:

• The 4th and 3rd strings require a drop of 3 semitones each. While this is within the generally recommended range (not exceeding -4 or +4 semitones), you may notice increased slack in these strings.
• For tunings involving changes greater than 4 semitones (either up or down), a different string gauge is often advised to maintain optimal string tension and intonation, though this particular tuning does not exceed that threshold.