Verbal Analysis: The Folk F#sus4/E with a B7sus4 Core

This unique tuning, internally referred to as "B7sus4" within the provided data, is an open guitar tuning deeply rooted in the traditional sounds of "Carter Picknick, fiddle tunes, and old-time" music. The open strings, E2-F#2-B2-E3-A3-E4, create a rich, suspended harmony. While the lowest note is E, the tuning significantly emphasizes the notes B, E, F#, and A, which are the core components of a B7sus4 chord (B, E, F#, A).

The absence of a major or minor third in the open tuning (G# or G) provides immense harmonic flexibility, allowing the player to imply major, minor, or dominant qualities with simple fingerings. This makes it a versatile canvas for melodic lines and drone-based accompaniment. Strumming the open strings yields an Eadd2add4 or Esus2sus4 chord, creating an expansive, resonant sound perfect for a wide range of folk and roots music styles. Its design encourages modal playing and and the exploration of diatonic harmonies.

Open Chord Possibilities and Shapes:

• Eadd2add4 / Esus2sus4: The open strings naturally form an E chord with added 2nd (F#) and 4th (A), providing a wide, suspended sound.
• B7sus4 Voicings: Despite starting on E, the strong presence of B, E, F#, and A notes across the strings means B7sus4 chord shapes are readily available and sound full and resonant, especially with the B2 and E2 in the lower register.
• Implying Major/Minor: Fretting the 2nd string (A3) up to G3 (3rd fret) or G#3 (4th fret) can easily shift the tonality towards E minor or E major, respectively, demonstrating the tuning's adaptable nature.
• Drone Qualities: The repeated E notes (E2, E3, E4) and the low B (B2) provide excellent drone capabilities, characteristic of old-time fiddle tunes and folk arrangements.

Technical Analysis: Tuning Structure

This tuning deviates significantly from standard EADGBe tuning, particularly in its middle strings. The resulting notes are E2, F#2, B2, E3, A3, E4 (low to high). The retention of the low E (6th string) and high E (1st string) provides familiar reference points, while the dramatic changes to the inner strings create its distinctive harmonic character.

The intervals from the lowest E note are:

• String 6: E2 (Root)
• String 5: F#2 (Major 2nd / Major 9th)
• String 4: B2 (Perfect 5th)
• String 3: E3 (Octave)
• String 2: A3 (Perfect 4th / Perfect 11th)
• String 1: E4 (Double Octave)

How to Tune Your Guitar (from Standard E A D G B E):

Please exercise caution when adjusting string tension. Tuning a string more than 4 semitones up or down significantly alters its tension. For movements exceeding this range, considering a different string gauge is advisable to prevent string breakage or potential damage to your instrument.

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 3 semitones. This brings your standard A2 string down to F#2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones. This brings your standard D3 string down to B2.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones. This brings your standard G3 string down to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones. This brings your standard B3 string down to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains E4.

Here are the notes for each string in this tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st):

• 6th String: E2
• 5th String: F#2
• 4th String: B2
• 3rd String: E3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: E4