Verbal Analysis: This unique tuning, aptly named "minor 5b 7 11 chord piano style guitar," is designed to emulate the rich harmonic voicings often found in piano chords on the guitar. It creates a dark, complex, and expansive harmonic landscape, making it ideal for genres such as jazz, progressive rock, fusion, or any style where intricate and sophisticated voicings are desired. The significant detuning on several strings will result in a much slacker string tension, which can allow for expressive bends and wide vibrato, though it may require a lighter picking or strumming touch. The open strings themselves form a complex minor 7th chord with an augmented 4th (or diminished 5th) and an 11th, providing a lush and evocative harmonic foundation. This tuning is adventurous due to the drastic pitch changes, but it offers a rewarding and unique sonic palette for those willing to explore beyond standard tunings.

Technical Analysis: The open tuning consists of the notes E2-G2-A#3-D3-E3-A3, from lowest to highest string. Let's analyze the intervals relative to the lowest E string (E2), establishing it as the root:

• 6th String (E2): Root
• 5th String (G2): Minor 3rd
• 4th String (A#3): Augmented 4th (or Diminished 5th, considering it as B-flat)
• 3rd String (D3): Minor 7th
• 2nd String (E3): Octave (Root an octave higher)
• 1st String (A3): Perfect 4th (or 11th if E is considered the root)

The combination of these notes forms an **E minor 7 (♭5, 11)** type of chord (E-G-B♭-D-A, with the high E adding an octave). This rich, somewhat dissonant, yet deeply expressive chord offers a sophisticated harmonic starting point. The close voicings, particularly between G2 and A#3 (a minor 3rd) and D3 and E3 (a major 2nd), are indeed reminiscent of piano voicings, providing a dense harmonic cluster. The root and its octave on the 6th and 2nd strings provide a solid anchor amidst the complexity.

Chord Possibilities: With the open strings forming an E minor 7 (♭5, 11) foundation, this tuning is exceptionally well-suited for jazz, neo-soul, and modern contemporary music. Standard barre chords will take on entirely new and intriguing characteristics, transforming familiar shapes into complex harmonies. For instance, fretting all strings at the 1st fret (F-A♭-B-E♭-F-B♭) would yield an F minor 7 (♭5, 11). The intervals between the higher strings (D3-E3-A3) alone outline an A suspended 2nd chord (A-D-E), providing interesting harmonic opportunities when isolated or combined with the lower notes. This tuning encourages exploration of unique fingerings and chord shapes, opening up a new world of harmonic textures and voicings on the guitar.

How to Tune

Please be aware that this tuning involves significant detuning for several strings. To ensure optimal playability, maintain proper intonation, and prevent potential string breakage or instability, it is strongly advised to consider using a heavier gauge string set, especially for strings that are tuned down by 5 semitones or more.

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A to G. The target note is G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 4 semitones from D to A#. The target note is A#3. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a substantial change. A heavier gauge string is recommended to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones from G to D. The target note is D3. Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones is a very drastic change. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string to perform correctly and safely.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 7 semitones from B to E. The target note is E3. Extreme Warning: Tuning down 7 semitones (a perfect fifth) is an extremely large change. A much heavier gauge string is essential to achieve proper tension, tone, and prevent buzzing or intonation issues.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 7 semitones from E to A. The target note is A3. Extreme Warning: Tuning down 7 semitones (a perfect fifth) is an extremely large change. A much heavier gauge string is essential for this string to perform correctly and safely.

6th String: E2 (Low E)

5th String: G2

4th String: A#3 (A-sharp/B-flat)

3rd String: D3

2nd String: E3

1st String: A3 (High A)