Description: The Open E Sus4 Tuning

The Open E Sus4 tuning transforms your guitar into a resonant instrument, emphasizing a unique suspended sound that is both open and subtly evocative. Compared to standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), this setup makes two significant changes: the 3rd (G) string is lowered by three semitones to E, and the 1st (high E) string is lowered by five semitones to B. The result is a striking open chord of E A D E B B.

Technically speaking, the open strings produce the notes E, A, D, and B. When played together, these notes form an an E7sus4 chord (E-A-B-D). The presence of the root (E) on the 6th and 3rd strings, and the 5th (B) on the 2nd and 1st strings, provides a rich, droning quality and substantial harmonic support. This tuning omits the typical minor or major third, allowing for a versatile, almost modal character that avoids immediate major/minor resolution.

Verbally, this tuning lends itself beautifully to genres requiring atmosphere and introspection, such as ambient, folk, blues, or alternative rock. The open, sustained quality is perfect for fingerstyle arrangements, creating shimmering soundscapes with ease. Chords like open E7sus4 are readily available, and with minimal fretting, you can easily adapt to E minor (by fretting the 3rd string at the 1st fret for G), E major (3rd string at 2nd fret for G#), or even explore suspended chords built on A or D thanks to their presence in the lower strings. The doubled high B strings offer interesting harmonic possibilities for melody lines and sustained drones, making complex voicings more accessible.

Open String Notes:

• 6th String (Low E): E2 - The foundational root note, providing a deep bass.
• 5th String (A): A2 - A perfect fourth above the root, adding a distinctive color.
• 4th String (D): D3 - A minor seventh above the root, creating a bluesy or modal feel.
• 3rd String (E): E3 - An octave higher than the low E, reinforcing the root.
• 2nd String (B): B3 - A perfect fifth above the root, a strong harmonic anchor.
• 1st String (High B): B3 - An octave higher than the 2nd string B, adding brightness and sustain to the 5th.

How to Tune:

To achieve the Open E Sus4 tuning, start from standard E-A-D-G-B-E and follow these adjustments:

• 6th String (E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones. Adjust from G3 to E3. (Note: Tuning down 3 semitones is a moderate change, generally safe for standard gauge strings.)
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 5 semitones. Adjust from E4 to B3. (Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant drop. While possible, for optimal tension and tone, consider using a slightly heavier gauge string for this string.)

Always tune carefully and check your string tension, especially when making larger adjustments.