The Esus2 Tuning is a captivating E modal tuning that results in a rich E suspended second chord (Esus2) when played open. This makes it incredibly resonant and inspiring for open-string melodic playing and drone-based compositions. Technically, the open strings are tuned to E2-B2-E3-F#4-B3-E4, which perfectly outlines an Esus2 chord (E-F#-B).

Musicians familiar with the popular DADEAD tuning will find this tuning immediately accessible, as it can be conceptualized as DADEAD raised a whole step. This means many of the chord shapes and melodic patterns you know from DADEAD can be directly transposed and applied here, but with the added brightness and tension of the Esus2 tonality.

This tuning offers a lush, open sound, with the repeated E and B notes providing a powerful harmonic foundation. The presence of the F# (the major second) on the 3rd string gives the tuning its characteristic suspended quality. While already an Esus2, fretting the 3rd string (F#) to G will yield an E minor chord, and fretting it to G# will produce an E major chord, demonstrating its versatility.

Its inherent open quality lends itself beautifully to fingerstyle arrangements, slide guitar, and ambient soundscapes. Power chords are readily available due to the abundance of E and B notes, making it a powerful choice for heavier music as well. Experiment with open drones and moving bass lines on the lower strings, while exploring melodies and suspended voicings on the higher strings for a truly unique sonic experience.

Open String Notes:

• 6th String: E2 (Low E)
• 5th String: B2
• 4th String: E3
• 3rd String: F#4
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: E4 (High E)

How to Tune to Esus2:

To achieve the Esus2 tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these specific string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones. Adjust from A2 to B2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 2 semitones. Adjust from D3 to E3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone. Adjust from G4 to F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E4.
• Please note that all string adjustments are within a moderate range (-1 to +2 semitones), so a change in string gauge is generally not required for this tuning.