The Suspended B tuning for Guitar is a unique and resonant soundscape, described in its essence as "a variation on another tuning (basically EGDGAD on 2nd fret capo)". While it shares some characteristics with open tunings, this specific configuration offers its own distinct harmonic palette, focusing on a suspended quality.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning creates a rich, open, and somewhat melancholic sound. When strummed open, the strings ring out with a sustained quality, inviting experimentation with drone-like textures and arpeggios. The repetition of the A and E notes across different octaves (A2, A3 and E3, E4) contributes to a sense of depth and sustain, giving the tuning an expansive, almost atmospheric feel. It leans into a modal sound, making it excellent for ambient soundscapes, intricate fingerstyle pieces, or creating broad textures in genres like folk, blues, and alternative rock. The inherent suspension provides an unresolved, yearning quality, perfect for expressive and emotionally charged playing.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to F#3 A2 E3 A3 B3 E4 (from the lowest string to the highest). This collection of notes forms a Bsus4 chord (B, E, F#) with an added minor 7th (A), and the 5th (F#) serving as the lowest bass note. More precisely, it can be interpreted as a Bsus4(b7) chord with an F# in the bass (Bsus4(b7)/F#). Alternatively, viewing F# as the root, it presents as an F# minor 7 (F# A C# E) with a suspended 4th (B) replacing the 5th (C#), making it an F#m7(add4). The intervals from the lowest F# are:

• 6th String (F#3): Root (P1)
• 5th String (A2): Minor 3rd (m3) relative to F#
• 4th String (E3): Minor 7th (m7) relative to F#
• 3rd String (A3): Minor 3rd (m3) relative to F# (octave higher than 5th string A)
• 2nd String (B3): Perfect 4th (P4) relative to F#
• 1st String (E4): Minor 7th (m7) relative to F# (octave higher than 4th string E)

Chordal Implications & Playability

The open tuning immediately provides a full, rich Bsus4(b7)/F# sound. This tuning excels at:

• Open Chords: Strumming all strings open yields the core Bsus4(b7)/F# chord, perfect for atmospheric introductions or sustained harmonies.
• One-Finger Chords: Barring a single fret across all strings will produce different suspended or minor 7th voicings, easily allowing for harmonic shifts with minimal effort. For instance, barring at the 2nd fret would yield a C#sus4(b7)/G#.
• Melodic Lines: The open intervals make it easy to craft haunting melodic lines and arpeggios that resonate beautifully across the strings.
• Slide Guitar: The open quality and the inherent minor 7th suspended harmony make this an excellent tuning for slide guitar, allowing for expressive glides and vibrato that highlight its unique character.
• Modal Exploration: The tuning naturally encourages playing in B minor or F# minor modes, with the suspended fourth adding color and tension, making it a fertile ground for creative compositions.

Tuning Notes (F# A E A B E)

String 6 (Low E): Tune up to F#3
String 5 (A): Tune to A2
String 4 (D): Tune up to E3
String 3 (G): Tune up to A3
String 2 (B): Tune to B3
String 1 (High E): Tune to E4

How to Tune (Standard EADGBe Reference)

To achieve the Suspended B tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise adjustments for each string:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones from E to F#3. (Movement: +2 semitones)
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains A2. (Movement: 0 semitones)
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones from D to E3. (Movement: +2 semitones)
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones from G to A3. (Movement: +2 semitones)
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains B3. (Movement: 0 semitones)
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains E4. (Movement: 0 semitones)

Important Note on String Gauge: All string adjustments in this tuning involve moving by 2 semitones or remaining unchanged. These movements are generally safe for standard gauge strings without significant risk of breakage or requiring a change in string gauge, as they do not exceed the recommended limit of 4 semitones up or down.