Tuning Overview: Open Fadd9sus4 Drone

This unique open tuning creates a rich, resonant soundscape, perfect for exploration in genres like ambient, blues, folk, or experimental music. With two low Fs establishing a deep, powerful root, and two high A# (B-flat) notes adding a shimmering top end, this tuning offers a drone-like quality that is both expansive and harmonically complex.

Technical Analysis:

The Open Fadd9sus4 Drone tuning sets the guitar strings to the following notes, from lowest to highest:

• 6th String: F2
• 5th String: F2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: A#3 (Bb3)
• 1st String: A#3 (Bb3)

When strummed open, these notes combine to form an Fadd9sus4 chord (F - G - B♭ - D). Alternatively, it can be perceived as a B♭maj7add9 chord with a strong F root (B♭ - D - F - G). The unison low F2s create a deep foundation, while the unison high A#3 (B♭3) strings provide a bright, sustained harmony, reinforcing the tuning's drone characteristic.

The intervals between strings are:

• 6th to 5th string: Unison F2
• 5th to 4th string: Major 6th (F2 to D3)
• 4th to 3rd string: Perfect 4th (D3 to G3)
• 3rd to 2nd string: Minor 3rd (G3 to A#3/Bb3)
• 2nd to 1st string: Unison A#3/Bb3

Open Chords and Possibilities:

This tuning inherently offers a rich open chord (Fadd9sus4 / B♭maj7add9) that can be easily shifted up and down the neck by barring. The combination of root, 9th, sus4, and major 6th tones provides a versatile palette for songwriting. Common chord shapes might be found for F, B♭, and G minor chords with unique voicings due to the open string relationships. Experimenting with partial barres or two-finger shapes can unlock a wealth of unique harmonic possibilities.

How to Tune:

To achieve the Open Fadd9sus4 Drone tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 4 semitones from A2 to F2. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop. If frequently using this tuning, consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone from B3 to A#3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 6 semitones from E4 to A#3. Extreme Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is a very substantial drop. It is strongly advised to use a heavier gauge string for this if you intend to use this tuning regularly, to maintain proper string tension and avoid a 'floppy' feel or intonation issues.

6th String (Lowest): F2
5th String: F2
4th String: D3
3rd String: G3
2nd String: A#3
1st String (Highest): A#3