Tuning Description: Open B Major Drone (F# F# D# F# B B)

This intriguing tuning, aptly named F# F# D# F# B B, is a profound exploration of harmonic textures, taking inspiration from the experimental sonic landscapes of bands like Sonic Youth. It presents a unique variation of a B Major chord, crafted for rich resonance and drone capabilities.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to:

• 6th String (Low E standard): F#3
• 5th String (A standard): F#3
• 4th String (D standard): D#4
• 3rd String (G standard): F#4
• 2nd String (B standard): B3
• 1st String (High E standard): B3

This configuration results in the notes F#, D#, and B being present across the open strings. In ascending order, these notes form a B Major chord (B, D#, F#). With the lowest note being F#, the tuning is essentially an open B Major chord in its second inversion (B/F#). The notable aspects are:

• The two lowest strings are tuned in unison to F#3, creating a powerful, thick bass drone.
• The 3rd and 6th strings are tuned to F# an octave apart (F#4 and F#3, respectively), adding to the open F# resonance.
• The 1st and 2nd strings are tuned in unison to B3, providing a bright, ringing drone.
• The D#4 on the 4th string serves as the crucial major third of the B Major chord, nestled between the various F# and B tones.

This open voicing is characterized by its wide intervals and repeated notes, leading to a highly resonant and sustained sound.

Chords and Playability:

With its unique structure, this tuning invites creative exploration:

• Open Chord: The open strings immediately present a full, ringing B Major chord (B/F#), perfect for arpeggios, sustained drones, and rich harmonic backdrops.
• Drone Textures: The unison F#s on the lowest strings and unison Bs on the highest strings are ideal for creating powerful, layered drone textures. Simply strumming the open strings will yield a massive, resonant sound.
• Chord Shapes: Barring across various frets will naturally create interesting chord voicings that maintain the inherent B Major tonality or venture into related keys and modes. For instance, barring at the 2nd fret (G# - G# - E# - G# - C# - C#) yields a G# minor chord. Moving up the neck, simple one or two-finger shapes can unlock complex harmonies due to the open string relationships.
• Experimental Soundscapes: The inherent open string intervals and repeated notes lend themselves well to experimental and ambient music, as well as the noisy, textural guitar work characteristic of Sonic Youth. Harmonics will likely ring out vibrantly across this tuning.
• Melody & Bass Lines: The powerful low F# drone allows for melodic lines to be played on the higher strings without losing the harmonic foundation.

This tuning is a fantastic choice for guitarists looking to break away from standard tuning conventions and explore a vast new sonic palette, especially those interested in resonant open chords, drone music, or a heavy, atmospheric sound.

How to Tune:

To achieve the F# F# D# F# B B tuning from standard E Standard (E A D G B E), follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E) to F#3: Tune up 2 semitones.
• 5th String (A) to F#3: Tune down 3 semitones.
• 4th String (D) to D#4: Tune up 1 semitone.
• 3rd String (G) to F#4: Tune down 1 semitone.
• 2nd String (B) to B3: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (High E) to B3: Tune down 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. If using a standard gauge high E string, this might result in a very floppy string. For optimal tension and playability, consider using a slightly heavier gauge string for the 1st string, or proceed with care.

Tuning Notes (Low to High):

6th String: F3#
5th String: F3#
4th String: D4#
3rd String: F4#
2nd String: B3
1st String: B3