The 'Alphabetical Bass Range 9-String Tuning' presents an exceptionally unique and expansive sonic landscape for a 9-string guitar. As the name suggests, it loosely follows an alphabetical progression of notes across its very wide range, descending into the extreme bass registers typically associated with a bass guitar or even lower, providing a truly foundational and resonant sound.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning is designed for the adventurous player seeking to explore the lowest possible frequencies and create innovative harmonic textures. With open strings ranging from a profound A0 to a ringing B3, it offers an incredible depth and resonance, ideal for ambient soundscapes, drone music, or experimental compositions. The almost sequential nature of notes on the lowest strings (A0, B0, C1) and then again further up (D2, E2, F2 and G3, A3, B3) suggests a focus on individual note clarity, arpeggiated figures, and clusters rather than traditional open chords. Its extreme low end makes it particularly suitable for rhythm sections that need to anchor a mix with immense weight or for solo pieces that exploit the guitar's extended range in a profound way.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is set for a 9-string Guitar. The open notes from lowest to highest are:

• String 9: A0
• String 8: B0
• String 7: C1
• String 6: D2
• String 5: E2
• String 4: F2
• String 3: G3
• String 2: A3
• String 1: B3

The intervals between adjacent strings are highly varied and unconventional:

• String 9 (A0) to String 8 (B0): Major 2nd (2 semitones)
• String 8 (B0) to String 7 (C1): Minor 2nd (1 semitone)
• String 7 (C1) to String 6 (D2): Major 9th (14 semitones)
• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (E2): Major 2nd (2 semitones)
• String 5 (E2) to String 4 (F2): Minor 2nd (1 semitone)
• String 4 (F2) to String 3 (G3): Major 9th (14 semitones)
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (A3): Major 2nd (2 semitones)
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (B3): Major 2nd (2 semitones)

The significant jumps of a Major 9th between String 7/6 and String 4/3 are particularly noteworthy, making traditional chord voicings across these string sets challenging. However, the clusters of M2-m2 on strings 9-8-7 and 6-5-4, and M2-M2 on 3-2-1, allow for tight, dissonant, or suspended open voicings. For example:

• The lowest three strings (A0, B0, C1) form an extremely low, dense cluster that could be interpreted as an A minor (add b9) or C major (add #11) without a fifth, offering deep, dissonant potential.
• Similarly, strings 6, 5, 4 (D2, E2, F2) create a D minor (add b9) or F major (add #11) cluster, transposed up.
• Strings 3, 2, 1 (G3, A3, B3) form a G major 2nd chord or a B minor (add 9, no 5th) shape, providing a brighter, but still somewhat open, voicing.

This tuning encourages exploration of linear melodies, complex arpeggios, and dense, low-frequency soundscapes rather than typical strummed chords. The player should be prepared for a highly specific and unique approach to composition and improvisation.

Open String Notes

The open strings of this 9-string guitar tuning are:

• String 9: A0
• String 8: B0
• String 7: C1
• String 6: D2
• String 5: E2
• String 4: F2
• String 3: G3
• String 2: A3
• String 1: B3

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Alphabetical Bass Range 9-String Tuning', please adjust each string from its standard tuning (or your current tuning) according to the following instructions. Always use a reliable tuner for accuracy.

Important Note on String Gauges: Several strings in this tuning require significant adjustments, tuning down by 5 semitones or more. When tuning down by more than 4 semitones (or up by more than 3-4 semitones), it is highly advisable to consider using a different gauge string optimized for the target pitch to ensure proper tension, intonation, and to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument.

• String 9 (Lowest A0): Tune down 4 semitones.
• String 8 (B0): Tune down 7 semitones.
• String 7 (C1): Tune down 11 semitones.
• String 6 (D2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 5 (E2): Tune down 5 semitones.
• String 4 (F2): Tune down 9 semitones.
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (Highest B3): Tune down 5 semitones.