Verbal Analysis

This 7-string guitar tuning, which we've named "Open E Sus2 Drone", offers a remarkably rich and resonant soundscape. At its core, it's an E suspended 2nd (Esus2) chord (E-B-F#), but with the ingenious addition of multiple octaves and perfect fifths across the strings. This creates an expansive, almost symphonic drone effect when played open, making it incredibly versatile for ambient soundscapes, powerful rock riffs, or folk-inspired open-string arpeggios. The high F# on what is typically the G-string provides a bright, cutting edge, contrasting beautifully with the deep, foundational E and B notes on the lower strings. It's a tuning that encourages open, ringing melodies and harmonies, providing a full, sustaining sound.

Technical Analysis

• Open Chord Voicing: When strummed open, the tuning resolves to an Esus2 chord (E-B-F#) with a generous layering of roots (E) and perfect fifths (B) across seven strings: E1, B1, E2, B2, F4#, E3, B3. This provides a harmonically rich and stable foundation.
• Interval Structure (relative to E):
  • String 7 (E1): Root
  • String 6 (B1): Perfect 5th
  • String 5 (E2): Octave (Root)
  • String 4 (B2): Perfect 5th
  • String 3 (F4#): Major 2nd / Major 9th (This specific octave of F# provides a distinctive, bright upper voicing to the chord.)
  • String 2 (E3): Octave (Root)
  • String 1 (B3): Perfect 5th
• Chords and Playability: The inherent Esus2 nature makes it ideal for drone-based music. Simple barring across a single fret will instantly produce other suspended 2nd chords (e.g., barring the 1st fret yields Fsus2, barring the 2nd fret yields F#sus2). Power chords are exceptionally accessible and powerful, especially across the lower string sets due to the numerous root and fifth intervals. While traditional major or minor chords (requiring a major or minor third) might require more intricate fingering on string 3 due to the high F# and its relation to the root/fifth, the tuning excels in creating lush, open voicings and melodic lines that resonate against the sustained open strings. The extensive use of Es and Bs provides ample opportunity for both deep bass lines and shimmering higher melodic work to intertwine seamlessly.

Tuning Notes

Here are the target notes for each string of your 7-string guitar, from the lowest (thickest) to the highest (thinnest):

• String 7: E1
• String 6: B1
• String 5: E2
• String 4: B2
• String 3: F4#
• String 2: E3
• String 1: B3

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Open E Sus2 Drone' tuning from standard 7-string tuning (typically B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), please follow these instructions carefully. It's crucial to note that several strings require significant pitch changes. For any string movement exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), using a different string gauge is strongly recommended to maintain proper string tension, intonation, and to prevent string breakage or damage to your guitar.

• String 7 (Lowest): Tune down 7 semitones to E1. Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string.
• String 6: Tune down 5 semitones to B1. Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string.
• String 5: Tune down 5 semitones to E2. Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string.
• String 4: Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3: Tune down 1 semitone to F4#.
• String 2: Tune down 7 semitones to E3. Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string.