Welcome to the world of the G D G B F# B (Open Gmaj7) tuning! This is a profoundly resonant and deep tuning, crafted for exploration into rich harmonic territories. It's essentially an Open G Major 7th chord, but set at an exceptionally low register, offering a unique sonic landscape.

Verbal and Technical Analysis

At its heart, this tuning creates an Open G Major 7th chord (G-B-D-F#) directly from the open strings, but with a significant emphasis on lower octaves. The root G is established on the 6th and 4th strings (G1 and G2 respectively), providing a powerful, foundational low end. The D2 on the 5th string acts as the perfect fifth, reinforcing the G chord. The Major 3rd (B2) is present on the 3rd string, and then we have the distinctive F#4 (Major 7th) on the 2nd string, which gives the tuning its jazzy, sophisticated edge. The 1st string then provides another B (B3), completing the voicing with an octave of the major third. This spread of notes across the fretboard, especially the higher F#4 and B3, allows for complex voicings and melodic possibilities.

As the original description notes, this tuning is a substantial one and a half steps down from an A# F A# D A D tuning. Due to the extreme low notes (starting with G1), it is highly recommended to use a baritone guitar or exceptionally thick gauge strings on a standard guitar to maintain proper tension and intonation. Attempting this tuning on a standard guitar with light strings may result in very slack strings, poor tone, and potential intonation issues.

Chordal Opportunities and Reach

The open strings immediately present a full Gmaj7 chord, making it incredibly easy to create lush, open harmonies. Simply barring across any fret will instantly yield a Major 7th chord (e.g., 1st fret = G#maj7, 3rd fret = Bbmaj7). This makes navigating through jazz progressions or creating rich, ambient soundscapes very intuitive. The lower strings (G-D-G) lend themselves perfectly to powerful, resonant drone notes and easy power chords. Imagine the deep, rich sound of an open G5 chord, or a quick shift to an A5 at the second fret. The presence of the Major 7th (F#) also invites bluesy licks and interesting suspensions. Experiment with dropping the F# to an F natural for a G7 sound, or raising it to G for a G6/9 feel. The wide intervals between strings, particularly the jump from G2 to B2 and then to F#4, open up unique melodic phrasing and arpeggio possibilities that are not typical in standard tuning.

How to Tune

Please follow these instructions carefully. Due to the significant changes in string tension, proceed slowly and re-check your tuning repeatedly. For any string requiring a movement of 5 semitones or more (either up or down), it is strongly advised to consider a different string gauge to prevent damage or poor performance.

• 6th String (Low E Standard): Tune down 9 semitones to G1. This is a very significant drop, almost an octave and a half from standard E. Be cautious and consider a heavier gauge.
• 5th String (A Standard): Tune down 7 semitones to D2. This is a full fifth down from standard A. A heavier gauge is highly recommended.
• 4th String (D Standard): Tune down 7 semitones to G2. Another significant drop, transforming the D into a G. A heavier gauge is highly recommended.
• 3rd String (G Standard): Tune down 8 semitones to B2. This is a very substantial drop, almost an octave. A heavier gauge is strongly advised.
• 2nd String (B Standard): Tune down 5 semitones to F#4. This is a significant drop. Consider a heavier gauge.
• 1st String (High E Standard): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. This is a significant drop. Consider a heavier gauge.

String 6: G1 (Lowest String)

String 5: D2

String 4: G2

String 3: B2

String 2: F#4

String 1: B3 (Highest String)