This distinctive open tuning, often referred to as the "Open E7sus2 Tuning," finds its notable application in Brand New's song "In the Water." When strummed open, it immediately forms an E7sus2 chord, delivering a sound that is both suspended and melancholic, perfectly suiting its indie-rock origins.

Verbal Analysis

The Open E7sus2 tuning evokes a sense of introspection and a subtle, yearning beauty. The E7sus2 chord, with its minor seventh (D) and suspended second (F#), transcends simple major or minor tonalities, offering an open-ended and slightly melancholic quality. This results in a rich, full sound that is highly versatile, ideal for creating atmospheric soundscapes, intricate fingerpicking patterns, or powerful, resonant strumming. The inherent tension of the suspension can be utilized for dramatic resolution or maintained for an extended emotional effect, making it a compelling choice for expressive and evocative songwriting.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to E2, B2, D3, F#4, B3, E4 (from the lowest E string to the highest E string). These notes collectively form an E7sus2 chord, consisting of the root (E), perfect fifth (B), minor seventh (D), and major second/ninth (F#). The precise voicing across the open strings is E-B-D-F#-B-E. A notable feature of this tuning is the presence of two B strings (String 5 and String 2) and two E strings (String 6 and String 1), which naturally provide octave relationships and resonant overtones across the fretboard.

Key intervals and relationships:

• Low End Foundation: The lowest three strings (E-B-D) establish a strong root, perfect fifth, and minor seventh, allowing for powerful open fifths and a harmonically rich, darker base.
• Suspended Harmony: The F# on the 3rd string creates the suspended second, a defining characteristic of this tuning's unique sound.
• Chord Voicings: The open notes on strings 4, 3, and 2 (D-F#-B) form an inverted D major triad (F#-B-D), which can be easily incorporated into melodic and harmonic ideas.
• Octave & Unison Possibilities: The doubled B and E notes simplify the process of finding common tones for chord shapes and lead lines. Specifically, B on the 5th string (B2) and 2nd string (B3) are an octave apart, as are E on the 6th string (E2) and 1st string (E4).

Chords and Shapes Within Reach:

• Open E7sus2: The fundamental chord, offering its rich, suspended sound with a minor seventh.
• Barre Chords: By fretting all strings at a single fret, one can easily create other 7sus2 chords. For instance, a barre at the 2nd fret would yield an F#7sus2.
• D Major: With the D-F#-B notes available on strings 4, 3, and 2, a D major triad can be played with minimal effort, ringing out beautifully.
• Minor Triads/7ths: The presence of the minor 7th (D) in the open chord makes this tuning conducive to exploring minor keys. Shapes around C# minor or F# minor will likely yield intriguing voicings and melodic possibilities.
• Drone Opportunities: The open E and B strings can be effectively utilized as drone notes, providing a sustained, atmospheric backdrop for moving melodies or evolving chord progressions.

This tuning provides a fresh and distinctive sonic palette for guitarists eager to venture beyond standard tuning, especially those aiming to achieve atmospheric, emotive, or alternative rock sounds.

Open String Notes:

• String 6 (Low E): E2
• String 5 (A String): B2
• String 4 (D String): D3
• String 3 (G String): F#4
• String 2 (B String): B3
• String 1 (High E): E4

How to Tune:

To achieve the Open E7sus2 Tuning from standard EADGBe, carefully follow these string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note for this string is E2.
• String 5 (A String): Tune up 2 semitones. The target note for this string is B2.
• String 4 (D String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note for this string is D3.
• String 3 (G String): Tune down 1 semitone. The target note for this string is F#4.
• String 2 (B String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note for this string is B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note for this string is E4.

The required string movements for this tuning are relatively minor (maximum of 2 semitones up, 1 semitone down). Therefore, a change in string gauge is generally not necessary. Always tune carefully and in small increments to avoid over-tightening or snapping strings.