The F#7sus4 tuning offers a unique and evocative soundscape, perfect for the intricate, harmonically rich textures often heard in Midwest Emo and math rock. With its open F#7sus4 chord voicing across the strings, this tuning immediately provides a foundation that is both resolved and yearning, thanks to the suspended 4th (B) and minor 7th (E). The specific arrangement of notes facilitates "high string riffing," allowing for bright, melodic passages and arpeggios that cut through the mix. The blend of low, resonant notes and unusually high middle strings creates a wide dynamic range, encouraging expressive playing and complex chord voicings that would be impossible in standard tuning.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is set to E2 B2 C#4 F#4 B3 E4 from the lowest to highest string. This combination forms an open F#7sus4 chord (F# - B - C# - E), with the following harmonic breakdown:

• String 6 (E2): The minor 7th (E) of the F#7sus4 chord, providing a deep foundation.
• String 5 (B2): The suspended 4th (B), a perfect fifth above the 6th string, adding an open, unresolved quality.
• String 4 (C#4): The 5th (C#), a major ninth above the 5th string, but an octave higher than one might expect for a typical D string, contributing significantly to the "high string" character.
• String 3 (F#4): The root (F#), a perfect fourth above the 4th string. Also an octave higher than a typical G string, further emphasizing the bright, upper register.
• String 2 (B3): The suspended 4th (B) again, an unusual descending perfect fifth from the 3rd string, providing a resonant mid-high voice.
• String 1 (E4): The minor 7th (E) again, a perfect fourth above the 2nd string, completing the chord voicing in the highest register.

The unique intervals, particularly the dramatic octave shifts for strings 3 and 4 relative to their standard positions, open up new possibilities for voicings and melodic patterns. Chords built around the open F#7sus4 will feel natural, and the presence of B and E across multiple octaves allows for rich, ringing drones and interwoven melodic lines. This tuning encourages exploration of extended chords and arpeggiated figures that exploit the bright, ringing quality of the higher strings.

How to Tune

To achieve the F#7sus4 tuning, follow these precise string adjustments from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning:

• String 6 (Low E to E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A to B2): Tune up 2 semitones from A. This adjustment is within a safe range for standard string gauges.
• String 4 (D to C#4): Tune down 1 semitone from D. Note: While the semitone change described is small (-1 semitone), the target note C#4 is significantly higher in pitch than what a standard D string (D3) would typically produce when tuned down to C# (C#3). Achieving C#4 on this string may require a lighter gauge string to avoid excessive tension or breakage.
• String 3 (G to F#4): Tune down 1 semitone from G. Note: Similar to String 4, the target note F#4 is significantly higher in pitch than what a standard G string (G3) would typically produce when tuned down to F# (F#3). Consider using a lighter gauge string for this position.
• String 2 (B to B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E to E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Important Tuning Considerations: When tuning, always approach the target note carefully. For adjustments exceeding 4 semitones (up or down) from your string's standard pitch, or when the target note implies a significant octave shift (as noted for strings 3 and 4) that contradicts a small semitone adjustment, it is strongly recommended to consider using a different string gauge to ensure proper tension, playability, and prevent string breakage.

String 6 (Low E): Tuned to E2, providing a deep, foundational bass note, acting as the minor 7th of the F#7sus4 chord.

String 5 (A): Tuned to B2, a robust perfect fifth above the 6th string, serving as the suspended 4th of the F#7sus4 chord.

String 4 (D): Tuned to C#4, which is the 5th of the F#7sus4 chord. This note is pitched unusually high for a D string, creating a bright, cutting voice.

String 3 (G): Tuned to F#4, the root of the F#7sus4 chord. Like String 4, this is a very high pitch for a typical G string, contributing to the tuning's distinctive "high string" character.

String 2 (B): Tuned to B3, once again providing the suspended 4th of the chord, but in a lower octave than F#4, creating an interesting descending interval from the 3rd string.

String 1 (High E): Tuned to E4, rounding out the F#7sus4 chord as its minor 7th in the highest register, a perfect fourth above the 2nd string.