Verbal Analysis

This tuning, aptly named E Power Sus F# Tuning, creates a wonderfully open and resonant soundscape. Building on the user's positive experience, it's designed to inspire unique melodic and harmonic ideas. The low E-B-E foundation provides a robust, drone-like quality, inviting powerful rhythmic exploration. As you move up the strings, the introduction of A and B adds a suspended, contemplative character, while the high F# brings a bright, almost shimmering quality that truly sets this tuning apart. It encourages a modern, expansive feel, perfect for genres ranging from ambient soundscapes to progressive rock, where unique voicings and open string resonance are key.

Technical Analysis

This is an E-based open tuning, arranged as E2 B2 E3 A3 B3 F#5. Let's break down its intervals from the low E (E2):

• String 6 (E2): Root
• String 5 (B2): Perfect 5th (P5)
• String 4 (E3): Octave (P8)
• String 3 (A3): Perfect 11th (P4)
• String 2 (B3): Perfect 12th (P5)
• String 1 (F#5): Major 16th (M9 or M2 an octave up)

The open strings collectively present the notes E, B, A, F#. This configuration essentially forms an E sus4(add9) chord (E-A-B-F#), offering a rich, harmonically complex sound straight from the open strings. The prominent E-B-E octave and fifth in the lower register create a powerful drone, while the higher strings introduce intriguing suspended and extended harmonies. The high F#5, in particular, adds a distinct, bright voice that can lead to shimmering arpeggios and modal melodic exploration.

Chordal Opportunities

• Open E5 Power Chord: The lowest three strings (E2-B2-E3) form a clear and powerful E5 chord, perfect for rhythmic drive and low-end drone.
• E sus4(add9): The open strings collectively produce E, A, B, F#, providing a full, resonant suspended sound with a bright, modern extension. This chord can be the basis for entire compositions.
• Suspended Voicings: The adjacent A3 and B3 (strings 3 and 2) facilitate easy access to suspended 2nd and 4th chords when combined with the E root. Barring across these strings at various frets will yield open and shimmering suspended voicings.
• Melodic Possibilities with F#5: The high F#5 provides a distinct melodic element, allowing for ringing arpeggios over the E drone or creating unique voicings for E major, E minor, or even Lydian/Mixolydian-flavored chords. Its high register ensures it cuts through the mix, offering a brilliant top-end.
• Modal Explorations: This tuning naturally lends itself to modal playing, particularly E Mixolydian or Lydian-esque sounds due to the F# and A, which are key characteristic notes in these modes when based on E. Experiment with sliding shapes to discover new melodic pathways.

How to Tune

To achieve this tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps. Please ensure you tune carefully and slowly, especially when tuning strings up.

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E2.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at B3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 2 semitones to F#4.

  Note: While the direct tuning instruction for the high E string is to tune it up 2 semitones, which would result in F#4 from a standard E4, the overall target tuning specifies F#5. Achieving F#5 from a standard E4 string would require a significantly larger jump of 14 semitones (an octave plus a major second). Tuning a string up by more than 4 semitones typically necessitates a lighter gauge string to prevent breakage and ensure proper intonation. If you aim for the F#5, please proceed with extreme caution and consider using a dedicated lighter gauge string for this purpose. The instruction provided will lead to F#4.

String Gauge Advisory: All individual string movements specified in this tuning's instructions (0 to 2 semitones up) are generally considered safe for standard gauge strings. However, as always, tune slowly and be mindful of your instrument's tension.

String 6 (Low E): E2

String 5 (A): B2

String 4 (D): E3

String 3 (G): A3

String 2 (B): B3

String 1 (High E): F#5