Verbal and Technical Analysis

This unique tuning, opening to A-E-B-E-E-B, offers a remarkably rich and resonant sound. It immediately presents an Aadd9 chord with a strong emphasis on the fifth (E) and ninth (B) intervals, creating a full and extended harmonic landscape. The unison E notes on the 3rd and 2nd strings (E3-E3) are a distinctive feature, providing a deep, droning quality that excels in sustained soundscapes and robust textures. This makes the tuning particularly well-suited for styles such as slide guitar, fingerstyle, folk, blues, and ambient music, where an open, ringing sound and harmonic depth are paramount.

Technically, the open strings form an Aadd9 chord (A-E-B-E-E-B), consisting of the root (A), perfect fifth (E), and major ninth (B) along with octave repeats. This inherent chordal structure makes it exceptionally versatile for playing in the key of A, where simple barre chords can be effectively utilized across the fretboard. As the original description notes, playing a barre at the fifth fret will effortlessly yield a Dadd9 chord, allowing for easy transitions between the IV and I chords in the key of A. Furthermore, this tuning is described as providing an "expanded iv chord when playing in E," indicating that the open Aadd9 can function as the subdominant (IV) chord in an E-centric musical context. This dual functionality offers significant creative flexibility for both A-major and E-major oriented compositions. The repeated E and B notes establish a solid harmonic foundation, facilitating interesting melodic exploration on the higher strings while maintaining a rich and full bass.

Given the substantial downward tuning adjustments, particularly for the 6th string (low E to A1, down 7 semitones) and the 2nd string (B to E3, down 7 semitones), players should consider string gauge. If standard gauges feel too slack for these significant drops, a heavier gauge string for the low A and a lighter gauge for the B string tuned to E3 might be beneficial to maintain optimal tension and tone. Conversely, tuning up more than 4 semitones generally requires a lighter gauge string, but this specific tuning primarily involves lowering pitch.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the "Open Aadd9/E Unison" tuning, you will need to adjust your strings from standard EADGBe as follows:

• String 6 (Low E to A1): Tune down 7 semitones.
• String 5 (A to E2): Tune down 5 semitones.
• String 4 (D to B2): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 3 (G to E3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 2 (B to E3): Tune down 7 semitones.
• String 1 (High E to B3): Tune down 5 semitones.

Please note: Tuning a string down by more than 4 semitones may benefit from a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension and avoid potential intonation issues. Take particular care with the significant drops, especially on strings 6 and 2.