Verbal Analysis

This is the completely unique tuning Josh Travis utilized for his 9-string guitar on Glass Cloud's "Perfect War Forever" EP. It conjures an incredibly expansive, dark, and harmonically rich soundscape, characteristic of modern progressive metal and djent. The extended range of the 9-string, combined with these specific voicings, allows for deep, guttural lows and complex, often dissonant harmonies. This makes it perfect for aggressive, percussive riffing, and creating dense, atmospheric textures. The tuning's name, "Open A m/maj11," aptly hints at its sophisticated harmonic structure, which masterfully blends minor and major tonalities with an extended chordal vocabulary, creating a unique tension and release.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to: A0, D1, A1, D2, C3, C3, G3, G4#, E4. This expansive tuning covers nearly a five-octave range, from the cavernous A0 to the bright E4. Let's delve into the specific intervals between adjacent strings, from lowest to highest:

• String 9 (A0) to String 8 (D1): A Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 8 (D1) to String 7 (A1): A Perfect Fifth (P5)
• String 7 (A1) to String 6 (D2): A Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (C3): A Minor Seventh (m7) – This represents a significant upward interval, creating a distinct jump in pitch.
• String 5 (C3) to String 4 (C3): Unison (P1) – This doubling provides a thick, layered, and resonant quality to any chord or melody played on these strings.
• String 4 (C3) to String 3 (G3): A Perfect Fifth (P5)
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (G4#): An Augmented Octave (A8) – This is a very wide and harmonically striking interval, placing G# an octave above G.
• String 2 (G4#) to String 1 (E4): A Major Third down (M3) – From G# to E, this is an inversion, essentially an E major third up to G#.

Harmonically, the open strings (A, D, C, G, G#, E) form a complex and powerful cluster. The presence of A, C, and E clearly outlines an A minor triad. Incorporating the D introduces an 11th, leading to an A minor 11 (without the 9th, B). The G adds a minor 7th, forming an A minor 7(11). Crucially, the G# introduces a major seventh quality (A minor/major 7), creating a striking and often dissonant tension against the natural minor G, which is also present. This blend of minor, major seventh, and extended harmonies gives the tuning its distinctive character, perfectly suited for heavy, layered, and emotionally charged music. The unison C3 on strings 5 and 4 offers unique voicing opportunities for thick power chords and open string drones, contributing significantly to the tuning's overall density and impact.

A crucial, subtle detail to note is that the 5th string (the first C3 in the sequence) is tuned to 16 cents sharp. This microtonal adjustment adds a unique, almost unsettling tension to its pitch, contributing to the tuning's overall distinctive sound.

How to Tune

To achieve this unique 9-string tuning, follow these precise string movements. Please exercise caution when adjusting string tension, especially with larger movements.

• String 9 (Lowest A0): Tune down 4 semitones.
• String 8 (D1): Tune down 4 semitones.
• String 7 (A1): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 6 (D2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 5 (C3): Tune up 3 semitones. (Remember to tune this string to 16 cents sharp for the precise tuning specified.)
• String 4 (C3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (G4#): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 1 (Highest E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Important Note on String Gauges: For most tuning adjustments, your standard string set should be adequate. However, for significant changes (exceeding 4 semitones in either direction), it is generally advised to consider a different string gauge. This helps maintain proper string tension, ensures better intonation, and mitigates the risk of string breakage. In this particular tuning, all specified string movements are within or very close to the generally acceptable range of +/- 4 semitones from a presumed standard, so a change in string gauge is likely not essential unless you encounter specific tension or intonation problems with your current setup.