Verbal Analysis

This unique tuning, E B F# B D# F#, creates a rich and expansive sonic landscape. When played open, it evokes an open, suspended, and almost ethereal quality. The arrangement of notes, particularly the absence of a clear major or minor third, lends itself to atmospheric compositions, drone-like passages, and modern soundscapes. It's a tuning that encourages exploration beyond conventional chord shapes, inviting players to discover harmonies that ring out with shimmering overtones, hinting at both resolve and wonder.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to E2 B2 F#4 B3 D#5 F#5 (from low E to high E string position). This configuration yields an Emaj7(add9) (no 3rd) chord when strummed open, built from the intervals of Root (E), Perfect 5th (B), Major 9th/2nd (F#), Perfect 5th (B, an octave higher), Major 7th (D#), and Major 9th/2nd (F#, an octave higher).

• The tuning features repeated B and F# notes across different octaves, which facilitates the creation of resonant drone effects and provides a strong harmonic anchor.
• The significant octave jumps (e.g., F#4 on the D-string position, D#5 on the B-string position, F#5 on the high E-string position) are notable. These high pitches suggest a bright, bell-like quality and may require specific string gauges to achieve safely and effectively, as they are tuned significantly higher than their standard counterparts.

Open & Accessible Chords

The open strings naturally form an Emaj7(add9) (no 3rd). This means a powerful, open-voiced E chord with a majestic, unresolved feel is immediately available. The repetition of B and F# also makes open fifths and power chords centered around B or F# easily accessible, especially on the lower strings. Simple two-finger shapes can create rich harmonic clusters. For instance, fretting the 2nd fret on strings 3 and 4 (G and D string positions) would introduce C# and G#, which could transform the open sound into a clearer Emaj9 or similar extensions.

Due to the open fifths (E-B, B-F#) and the Major 7th (D#), movable shapes up and down the neck could yield interesting diminished, augmented, or suspended voicings. Experimentation with single-finger barres or partial barres will likely unlock unique chordal possibilities given the wide intervallic structure.

How to Tune

Please follow these instructions carefully. It is crucial to tune slowly and use a reliable tuner. Note the significant tuning changes for several strings, which may require specific string gauges for safe and effective playability.

• String 6 (Low E position): Tune to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A string position): Tune to B2. Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D string position): Tune to F#4. Tune up 4 semitones. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant change. Furthermore, the target note F#4 is an octave higher than the standard D3. A lighter gauge string for this position is strongly advised to avoid excessive tension or breakage.
• String 3 (G string position): Tune to B3. Tune up 4 semitones. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a lighter gauge string for this position to avoid excessive tension or breakage.
• String 2 (B string position): Tune to D#5. Tune up 4 semitones. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant change. Additionally, the target note D#5 is over an octave higher than the standard B3. A lighter gauge string for this position is strongly advised to avoid excessive tension or breakage.
• String 1 (High E position): Tune to F#5. Tune up 2 semitones. Caution: While the movement is 2 semitones, the target note F#5 is over an octave higher than the standard E4. This string will be under extremely high tension; a significantly lighter gauge string is strongly advised to prevent breakage and potential neck damage.

Always be mindful of your guitar's structural integrity and string tension when making such drastic tuning changes. If unsure, consult a professional luthier.

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