Tuning Analysis: Open G 7sus4

This unique tuning, which the user refers to as "Open G 7sus4", is specifically designed for the Guitar. It presents an intriguing departure from standard tunings, offering a complex harmonic palette right on the open strings.

Verbal Analysis

Despite its given name, the actual open string notes of this tuning are G2-C3-F3-B3-D4-G4 (from the lowest 6th string to the highest 1st string). While the name suggests a G7sus4 chord (typically G-C-D-F), the actual notes present a richer, more complex harmony: G (root), C (perfect 4th), F (minor 7th), B (major 3rd), and D (perfect 5th). This collection of notes forms a Gmaj7add4 chord (G, B, D, F, C). This means a simple strum across all open strings will yield a full, resonant chord with a major seven and an added perfect fourth.

The user's description, mentioning it's "Like a standard tuning but at the 2.5 fret" and suggesting it for "smaller guitars" due to difficulty finding it, highlights a common beginner's approach to exploring tunings. However, this tuning is significantly altered from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, as it requires all strings to be tuned *up* by 3 or 4 semitones. This results in a very high tension setup for a standard scale guitar. The advice regarding a "smaller guitar" is very relevant, as a shorter scale length would help manage the increased string tension and prevent potential damage to the instrument. For beginners, it's crucial to be aware of these tension implications.

Open Chords and Possibilities

• Open Strum: Strumming all open strings yields a lush and complex Gmaj7add4 chord (G, B, D, F, C), providing immediate harmonic depth.
• Gmaj7: By muting or avoiding the 5th string (C3), you can achieve a clear Gmaj7 chord voicing (G-F-B-D-G).
• Barre Chords: Fretting all strings at a single fret (barre) will transpose the open Gmaj7add4 chord up the neck. For example, a barre at the 2nd fret would produce an Amaj7add4 voicing, offering a quick way to play different major seven chords with an added fourth.
• Unique Voicings: The varied intervals between strings (Perfect 4th, Perfect 4th, Augmented 4th/Tritone, Minor 3rd, Perfect 4th) create unique melodic and harmonic opportunities that differ significantly from standard tuning, encouraging creative exploration beyond conventional chord shapes.

Technical Analysis

The precise tuning is G2-C3-F3-B3-D4-G4 from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string. When compared to standard guitar tuning (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), each string is tuned upwards:

• The 6th string (normally E2) is tuned up 3 semitones to G2.
• The 5th string (normally A2) is tuned up 3 semitones to C3.
• The 4th string (normally D3) is tuned up 3 semitones to F3.
• The 3rd string (normally G3) is tuned up 4 semitones to B3.
• The 2nd string (normally B3) is tuned up 3 semitones to D4.
• The 1st string (normally E4) is tuned up 3 semitones to G4.

This tuning results in a significantly high overall string tension. The G4 on the high E string, for example, is a full minor third above its standard pitch. While potentially well-suited for shorter scale instruments or guitars specifically set up with very light gauge strings, considerable caution is advised for guitars with standard scale lengths and string gauges. High tension can lead to neck warping, intonation issues, or string breakage. The co-existence of both a major third (B) and a perfect fourth (C) above the root G is a defining characteristic, providing a distinctive suspended-like quality within a major seven chord context.

String Notes: Open G 7sus4

Here are the target notes for each string in the "Open G 7sus4" tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st) string:

• 6th String (Low E equivalent): G2
• 5th String (A equivalent): C3
• 4th String (D equivalent): F3
• 3rd String (G equivalent): B3
• 2nd String (B equivalent): D4
• 1st String (High E equivalent): G4

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open G 7sus4

To achieve the G2-C3-F3-B3-D4-G4 tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, you will need to tune all strings upwards. Please follow these instructions precisely, and be aware that these movements will significantly increase string tension. If you are using a standard gauge string set on a full-scale guitar, we strongly recommend considering a lighter gauge string set to prevent excessive stress on your instrument and potential damage.

• 6th String (Low E): From its standard E2, Tune up 3 semitones to G2.
• 5th String (A): From its standard A2, Tune up 3 semitones to C3.
• 4th String (D): From its standard D3, Tune up 3 semitones to F3.
• 3rd String (G): From its standard G3, Tune up 4 semitones to B3.
• 2nd String (B): From its standard B3, Tune up 3 semitones to D4.
• 1st String (High E): From its standard E4, Tune up 3 semitones to G4.

Important Note on String Tension: While most string movements here are 3 semitones, the 3rd string requires a 4-semitone increase. When tuning up by 4 semitones or more, or down by 4 semitones or more, a different string gauge is generally advised. Given the cumulative upward tension across all strings, careful attention to your guitar's response and string condition is paramount. Proceed slowly and stop if you observe any undue strain on your instrument or strings.