This tuning, named F7sus4, is an inspiring discovery for songwriting, as described by its creator. It presents a rich, resonant, and somewhat ambiguous sonic landscape, perfect for exploring new harmonic territories beyond standard tuning.

Verbal Analysis

The open strings immediately create a full, almost orchestral sound. The strong fundamental F and C establish a clear tonal center, while the unique placement of D# (enharmonically Eb) and the doubled A# (enharmonically Bb) on the higher strings add a melancholic, jazzy, or bluesy flavour. Expect a sound that is both suspended and dominant, with a beautiful drone quality from the repeated notes. It lends itself well to atmospheric playing, fingerstyle, or creating thick, ringing chords that don't sound typical. The tuning is likely to evoke a sense of mystery or introspection, making it ideal for ballads, introspective pieces, or genres like jazz fusion, progressive rock, or even ambient music. The substantial drop in tension on the high E string will give it a slacker, more pliable feel, potentially opening up new bending and vibrato possibilities.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are F2-C3-D#4-F3-A#4-A#4. This configuration, when analyzed harmonically (using enharmonic equivalents for clarity), reveals an open F minor seventh suspended fourth chord (Fm7sus4), specifically F - C - Eb - F - Bb - Bb. Let's break down the intervals relative to F:

• String 6 (F2): Root
• String 5 (C3): Perfect 5th
• String 4 (D#4 / Eb4): Minor 7th
• String 3 (F3): Octave Root
• String 2 (A#4 / Bb4): Perfect 4th (11th)
• String 1 (A#4 / Bb4): Perfect 4th (11th)

The presence of the minor 7th (Eb) and the suspended 4th (Bb) creates a sophisticated, jazzy voicing. The doubled Bb on the higher strings provides a lush, sustained quality. Due to this unique voicing, a single barre across all strings will yield an interesting suspended chord based on this structure. The strong F and C foundation means power chords are easily accessible, and by simply barring or adding a few fingers, you can unlock a vast array of suspended, minor, and altered dominant chords. The tuning naturally encourages arpeggiated patterns and melodic lines that emphasize the suspended and minor characteristics. The large drop on the 1st string (-6 semitones) means a significantly lower tension on that string, which can feel quite different to play and requires careful consideration for string gauge to maintain intonation and avoid fret buzz.

How to Tune to F7sus4

This section outlines the steps to retune your guitar from standard EADGBe to the F7sus4 tuning. Please proceed with care, especially with larger semitone movements, as these can affect string tension and potentially require different string gauges.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2. This is a minor adjustment and generally safe.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 3 semitones from A2 to C3. This is a moderate adjustment; proceed carefully.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 1 semitone from D3 to D#4. This is a minor adjustment and generally safe.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones from G3 to F3. This is a minor adjustment and generally safe.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 1 semitone from B3 to A#4. This is a minor adjustment and generally safe.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 6 semitones from E4 to A#4. Caution is advised for this significant drop. Tuning down 6 semitones will drastically reduce string tension. For optimal playability and intonation, especially if you plan to use this tuning frequently, consider using a heavier gauge string for your first string to compensate for the slack and avoid potential fret buzz. Movements exceeding -4 or +4 semitones generally warrant a different string gauge.