This unique tuning, which we've named "Amaj7 Enriched Open," transforms your guitar into a resonant soundscape ideal for songwriting, as hinted by its original description. It's a rich and complex open chord, perfect for creating lush, atmospheric textures or intricate harmonic progressions.

Verbal Analysis

Imagine a tuning that immediately offers a sophisticated, somewhat jazzy, and deeply resonant character. The open strings of Amaj7 Enriched Open ring out with a full, shimmering quality that can inspire new melodic ideas and chord voicings. It feels expansive and bright, making it suitable for genres from ambient and new age to modern folk and even certain styles of jazz or progressive rock. The inherent complexity of the open chord encourages exploration beyond typical major/minor shapes, prompting players to discover unique fingerings and voicings that are often difficult to achieve in standard tuning. The original intent for "songwriting" is clearly supported by this tuning's evocative and inspiring nature.

Technical Analysis

The open tuning is A2 C#4 E3 B3 D4 G#5. When all strings are strummed open, they produce an A Major 7 chord with an added 9th (B) and 11th (D). This specific voicing is an A Major 7(add9,add11).

• Root & Harmony: The low A (String 6), E (String 4), and G# (String 1) firmly establish an A Major 7 framework (A-C#-E-G#).
• Extended Harmonies: The C# (String 5) reinforces the Major 3rd. The B (String 3) acts as the Major 9th, and the D (String 2) as the Perfect 11th. These added notes contribute to the tuning's rich, 'enriched' sound.
• Unique Voicings: The non-linear arrangement of pitches across the strings (e.g., C#4 is higher than E3) creates unique intervallic relationships, encouraging fresh melodic and harmonic ideas.

Chordal Opportunities:

• Open Chord Resonance: The open strings themselves form a beautiful A Major 7(add9,add11) chord, providing an immediate, full-bodied sound that can serve as a drone or a primary chord.
• Barre Chords: Sliding a single finger across all strings at any fret will yield a parallel Major 7(add9,add11) chord in a different key, offering a powerful and consistent harmonic movement.
• Accessible Triads: Basic A major (A, C#, E) and E major (E, G#, B) triads are easily found within the open string set or with minimal fretting.
• Upper Register Chord Inversions: The higher strings (B3, D4, G#5) allow for interesting upper-register voicings and arpeggios, particularly focusing on the 9th, 11th, and Major 7th intervals.
• Capo Potential: As the original description mentions a "5th fret capo," placing a capo at the 5th fret would transpose the open tuning to D2 F#4 A3 E4 G5 C#6, effectively creating a D Major 7(add9,add11) open tuning. This versatility further expands its songwriting utility.

Here are the target notes for each string in this tuning, along with detailed instructions on how to adjust your guitar from standard EADGBe tuning. Please pay close attention to the semitone movements.

Tuning Notes

• String 6 (Low E): A2 - The lowest string is tuned to A2.
• String 5 (A): C#4 - The fifth string is tuned to C-sharp in the fourth octave.
• String 4 (D): E3 - The fourth string is tuned to E3.
• String 3 (G): B3 - The third string is tuned to B3.
• String 2 (B): D4 - The second string is tuned to D4.
• String 1 (High E): G#5 - The highest string is tuned to G-sharp in the fifth octave.

How to Tune from Standard EADGBe

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 5 semitones from E2 to A2. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string may be advisable to prevent breakage and ensure optimal tension and tone.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 4 semitones from A3 to C#4. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a notable adjustment; consider a slightly heavier gauge string for better performance and safety.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones from D3 to E3.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 4 semitones from G3 to B3. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a notable adjustment; consider a slightly heavier gauge string for better performance and safety.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 3 semitones from B3 to D4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 4 semitones from E4 to G#5. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a notable adjustment; consider a slightly heavier gauge string for better performance and safety.