The B Minor Ascendant Tuning is a highly unconventional and dynamic tuning that dramatically reshapes the guitar's sonic landscape. Unlike standard tunings, it features a non-linear melodic contour with significant octave jumps and drops between strings, creating a distinct and often dramatic sound palette. The lower strings establish a clear B minor foundation, offering a rich, resonant base. As you move to the higher strings, the tuning ascends into bright, almost soaring territories, before subtly descending again on the first string. This unique structure opens up possibilities for intricate arpeggiated figures, compelling melodic lines that cross octaves, and rich, complex harmonic voicings not typically found in standard guitar tunings. It invites exploration beyond conventional chord shapes, encouraging players to discover new harmonic clusters and surprising tonal relationships.

Technical Analysis

• Open Notes: F#3, B2, D3, G#4, C#5, E4 (from 6th to 1st string)
• Intervalic Structure (from 6th to 1st string):
  • 6th to 5th String (F#3 to B2): Perfect 4th down (P4↓) – an unusual drop in pitch from the presumed lowest string.
  • 5th to 4th String (B2 to D3): Minor 3rd up (m3↑).
  • 4th to 3rd String (D3 to G#4): Augmented 4th up + Octave (A4↑ + 8va) – a very significant jump in pitch (18 semitones).
  • 3rd to 2nd String (G#4 to C#5): Perfect 4th up (P4↑).
  • 2nd to 1st String (C#5 to E4): Minor 3rd down (m3↓) – another notable drop in pitch.

Open Chords & Harmonies

• The lowest three open strings (F#3, B2, D3) clearly outline a B minor triad (B-D-F#), establishing a minor tonality in the lower register.
• The higher open strings (G#4, C#5, E4) form a distinct C# minor triad (C#-E-G#), providing a contrasting minor tonality in the upper register.
• Additionally, the combination of E4, G#4, and B2 can outline an E major triad (E-G#-B), adding a bright major flavor to the overall sound.
• Played together, the full open tuning (F# B D G# C# E) creates a complex, extended sonority that hints at B minor with higher extensions and a vibrant, almost ethereal quality due to the wide intervallic leaps and non-linear string arrangement.

How to Tune

To achieve the B Minor Ascendant Tuning, follow these precise adjustments for each string:

• 6th String: Tune your 6th string to F#3 by moving it up 2 semitones.
• 5th String: Tune your 5th string to B2 by moving it up 2 semitones.
• 4th String: Tune your 4th string to D3; keep it as is, no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String: Tune your 3rd string to G#4 by moving it up 1 semitone.
• 2nd String: Tune your 2nd string to C#5 by moving it up 2 semitones.
• 1st String: Tune your 1st string to E4; keep it as is, no change (0 semitones).

6th String (Low E string position): F#3

5th String (A string position): B2

4th String (D string position): D3

3rd String (G string position): G#4

2nd String (B string position): C#5

1st String (High E string position): E4