The F#sus4 Open Standard tuning presents a rich, resonant soundscape built around an open F#7sus4 chord. While the original description suggests it "plays just like standard," a closer look at the inter-string intervals reveals a unique character that offers both familiar and fresh harmonic possibilities.

Verbal Analysis

Imagine a powerful, full-bodied F#7sus4 chord ringing out with just the open strings. This tuning delivers exactly that, providing a fantastic foundation for blues, rock, folk, and even modern ambient styles. The presence of F# on the low E, G, and high E strings, along with the C# (5th) and B (4th), creates a strong, layered sound. This makes it incredibly easy to establish a powerful root and allows for drone-like playing. While some familiar chord shapes, especially those relying on the lowest and highest string pairs (e.g., power chords), may translate, the altered middle string intervals will require exploration and adaptation for standard barre and open chord forms, leading to exciting new voicings.

Technical Analysis

This tuning transforms the standard E A D G B E into F# B E F# C# F#. The notes of the open strings collectively form an F#7sus4 chord (F#, B, C#, E). From low to high, the specific voicing is F3#, B2, E3, F4#, C5#, F5#.

Let's examine the intervals between consecutive strings compared to standard tuning:

• 6th String (F#) to 5th String (B): Perfect 4th (P4) - (Same as E-A in standard)
• 5th String (B) to 4th String (E): Perfect 4th (P4) - (Same as A-D in standard)
• 4th String (E) to 3rd String (F#): Major 2nd (M2) - (Differs significantly from D-G P4 in standard)
• 3rd String (F#) to 2nd String (C#): Perfect 5th (P5) - (Differs significantly from G-B M3 in standard)
• 2nd String (C#) to 1st String (F#): Perfect 4th (P4) - (Same as B-E in standard)

The preservation of P4 intervals on strings 6-5, 5-4, and 2-1 allows for some intuitive movement, but the significant changes in the middle strings (E-F# Major 2nd and F#-C# Perfect 5th) mean that most standard chord voicings will require re-learning or entirely new shapes.

Chordal Opportunities

• Open F#7sus4: The entire tuning resonates with this powerful chord, ideal for starting songs or for drone accompaniments.
• Movable Sus4 Chords: By barring across any fret, you can easily create other Sus4 chords. For example, barring at the 2nd fret yields a G#7sus4 (G# C# F# G# D# G#).
• Power Chords: The repeated F# roots and the P4 intervals make it easy to craft compelling power chords, especially on the lower strings.
• Unique Voicings: The distinct middle string intervals open doors to fresh chord voicings that are impossible or difficult to achieve in standard tuning. Experimentation is key to unlocking these sonic gems.

Open String Notes

Here are the notes for each string in this tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st):

• 6th String: F3# (Low F-sharp)
• 5th String: B2 (Low B)
• 4th String: E3 (Middle E)
• 3rd String: F4# (High F-sharp)
• 2nd String: C5# (High C-sharp)
• 1st String: F5# (Highest F-sharp)

How to Tune

To achieve the F#sus4 Open Standard tuning from standard E A D G B E, follow these steps for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones from E to F#.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones from A to B.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 2 semitones from D to E.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone from G to F#.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 2 semitones from B to C#.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 2 semitones from E to F#.

Important Note on String Gauges: When tuning strings significantly (more than 4 semitones up or down), it is generally advisable to consider using a different string gauge to prevent excessive tension (for tuning up) or looseness (for tuning down), which can affect playability, intonation, and string life. This particular tuning involves moderate changes, but always exercise caution when adjusting string tension.