About the Lenny Breau Tuning

The Lenny Breau Tuning is a distinctive 7-string guitar tuning, famously utilized by the legendary jazz virtuoso Lenny Breau. This configuration creates a rich harmonic canvas, characterized by its low E and a bright, resonant high A. It significantly departs from standard 7-string tunings, offering a unique sonic palette ideal for exploring advanced chord voicings, intricate jazz harmonies, and fluid melodic improvisations.

Technical Analysis

This 7-string tuning is set as follows, from the lowest (7th) string to the highest (1st) string: E2-A2-D3-G3-C4-E4-A4. A detailed look at the intervals between consecutive strings reveals its unique structure:

• 7th String (E2) to 6th String (A2): Perfect 4th
• 6th String (A2) to 5th String (D3): Perfect 4th
• 5th String (D3) to 4th String (G3): Perfect 4th
• 4th String (G3) to 3rd String (C4): Perfect 4th
• 3rd String (C4) to 2nd String (E4): Major 3rd
• 2nd String (E4) to 1st String (A4): Perfect 4th

The tuning predominantly features perfect fourths, creating a consistent interval structure across most of the fretboard, which can simplify scale and arpeggio navigation. The solitary major third interval between the 3rd (C4) and 2nd (E4) strings introduces a familiar element from standard tuning, allowing for the accessibility of certain traditional chord shapes while still leveraging the benefits of the quartal layout.

Chordal Implications

The open strings of the Lenny Breau Tuning lend themselves to several resonant open chords, offering immediate harmonic possibilities:

• An open E minor triad (E-G-E) can be formed by strumming the 7th (E2), 4th (G3), and 2nd (E4) strings.
• An open A minor triad (A-C-E) is readily available using the 6th (A2), 3rd (C4), and 2nd (E4) strings.
• An open C major triad (C-E-G) can be created by combining the 3rd (C4), 2nd (E4), and 4th (G3) strings.

The largely quartal nature of this tuning encourages exploration of unique, often dissonant or open-voiced chords that are characteristic of modern jazz. Chord voicings across the fretboard often feel more expansive, and improvisational lines can span wider intervals with greater ease, leading to a sophisticated and less conventional harmonic texture.

How to Tune

To set your 7-string guitar to the Lenny Breau Tuning, you will need to adjust all strings considerably from a standard 7-string tuning (typically B-E-A-D-G-B-E). Please note: Tuning all strings up by 5 semitones is a significant tension increase. Tuning beyond 4 semitones up or down often requires a different gauge of strings to ensure optimal playability, prevent potential string breakage, and protect your instrument's neck. Consulting a professional luthier is highly recommended for such substantial tuning changes.

• 7th String (E2): Tune up 5 semitones.
• 6th String (A2): Tune up 5 semitones.
• 5th String (D3): Tune up 5 semitones.
• 4th String (G3): Tune up 5 semitones.
• 3rd String (C4): Tune up 5 semitones.
• 2nd String (E4): Tune up 5 semitones.
• 1st String (A4): Tune up 5 semitones.

7th String: E2

6th String: A2

5th String: D3

4th String: G3

3rd String: C4

2nd String: E4

1st String: A4