B Modal Tuning: A Deep, Resonant Soundscape

The 'B Modal' tuning, as described by its creator, is an adaptation of a 'C modal' tuning shifted down a half-step, carefully implemented to ensure string integrity while achieving its distinctive low-end feel. This tuning unlocks a profound and resonant sound, perfect for crafting drone-like textures, heavy, open-string riffs, and expansive ambient soundscapes. Its open nature makes it incredibly intuitive for creating powerful, layered sounds with minimal effort.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to F3#, F3#, B2, F4#, B3, F5# from low E to high E. This arrangement predominantly features the notes F# and B across all strings.

• Root and Fifth Focus: The tuning is essentially an open F#5 chord (F#-C#) with the addition of B (a perfect fourth above F#) creating a suspended quality. While the lowest notes are F#, establishing F# as a strong root, the name 'B Modal' suggests a perception of B as the tonal center, in which case F# acts as the perfect fifth. This duality offers interesting harmonic possibilities.
• Interval Structure: From the lowest F# (String 6), the tuning progresses with a unison (String 5 F#3), a perfect fourth (String 4 B2 relative to F#3), an octave (String 3 F#4 relative to F#3), another perfect fourth (String 2 B3 relative to F#3), and finally a double octave (String 1 F5# relative to F#3). This creates a rich, harmonically dense foundation.
• Chordal Possibilities:
  • Open Chord: The open strings themselves produce a powerful F#sus4-like sound (F#-B-C# if C# were present, but here just F# and B) or an inverted Bsus2 (B-C#-F# with F# in the bass). This provides a ready-to-play, full-bodied chord.
  • Barred Chords: Due to the consistent intervals across the strings, simply barring across any fret will instantly produce transpositions of this F#5/Bsus2 structure. For example, barring at the 2nd fret will yield a G#sus4 or C#sus2. This makes it incredibly easy to move through chord progressions that maintain this open, resonant quality.
  • Modal Playing: The emphasis on F# and B naturally lends itself to modal improvisations around B (e.g., B Phrygian, B Dorian) or F# (e.g., F# Mixolydian, F# Phrygian), allowing for a distinctive sonic character.
  • Power Chords & Drones: The doubled F# notes and the presence of B make this tuning ideal for heavy power chords and sustained drone effects, particularly in lower registers.

How to Tune:

Adjust each string from its standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) according to the instructions below:

• Low E String (6th): Tune up 2 semitones to F3#.
• A String (5th): Tune down 3 semitones to F3#.
• D String (4th): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• G String (3rd): Tune down 1 semitone to F4#.
• B String (2nd): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• High E String (1st): Tune up 2 semitones to F5#.

Note: All string movements are within safe limits (less than 4 semitones up or down), so a change in string gauge is generally not required for this tuning.