F#EBF#C# Guitar Tuner

F#EBF#C# | G♭EBG♭D♭ F7sus4 5-string - Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - F7sus4 5-string

Just messing around and came up with this tuning. I’m planning on using it for a string instrument I’m building.

Verbal Analysis

The F#7sus4 5-String Open tuning, as noted by its creator, is a custom setup designed for experimentation and a new instrument. This unique 5-string configuration offers a rich, resonant sound with a strong foundation in F# and E, creating a somewhat bluesy, open, and potentially drone-like quality. The wide span from the very low F#2 to the bright C#5 gives it a broad sonic palette, suitable for ambient textures, heavy riffs, or intricate fingerstyle, especially for those looking to explore non-standard harmonic territories. The considerable jump in pitch between the third and second strings (B2 to F#4) will require a different approach to chord voicings and lead playing, opening up new melodic possibilities that wouldn't be accessible in standard tunings.

Technical Analysis

This 5-string tuning features the following open notes, from lowest to highest:

String 5: F#2
String 4: E2
String 3: B2
String 2: F#4
String 1: C#5

The open strings collectively form an F#7sus4 chord (F#, B, C#, E), providing a full, rich harmony without fretting. This makes it an excellent choice for slide guitar, drone music, or simply strumming open chords with a unique flavor.

Let's look at the intervals between strings:

String 5 (F#2) to String 4 (E2): Minor 7th (down a Major 2nd)
String 4 (E2) to String 3 (B2): Perfect 5th
String 3 (B2) to String 2 (F#4): Octave + Perfect 5th (This is a significant jump of 17 semitones)
String 2 (F#4) to String 1 (C#5): Perfect 5th

The presence of the root (F#2, F#4) and the fifth (C#5) on different octaves creates a powerful and resonant foundation. The perfect fifths between E2-B2 and F#4-C#5 make it easy to form power chords or open harmonies on these adjacent strings. The challenging interval between B2 and F#4 encourages exploration of two-hand tapping, unique arpeggios, or using the strings almost as two separate voicings. Simple barre shapes will create consistent voicings of the F#7sus4 chord, just transposed up the neck. The tuning also lends itself well to modal playing around F# or B due to the strong presence of these notes and their fifths.

How to Tune

To achieve the F#7sus4 5-String Open tuning, follow these specific adjustments for each string. Please exercise caution, especially with significant tuning changes, and consider using appropriate string gauges for optimal performance and to prevent string breakage.

String 5 (Lowest): Tune down 10 semitones to F#2. (This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for best tension and tone, and to prevent string breakage if tuning from a much higher standard pitch.)
String 4: Tune down 5 semitones to E2. (This is a notable drop; consider a heavier gauge string to maintain proper tension.)
String 3: Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
String 2: Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
String 1 (Highest): Tune up 2 semitones to C#5.