Verbal Analysis: The Dissonant Minor 9

This intriguing tuning, named "A sharp minor 9," presents a highly unique and somewhat dissonant landscape for the guitar. Unlike a typical minor 9 chord, the open strings feature both the minor third (C) and the major third (C#) relative to the A# root, creating a complex and potentially challenging harmonic texture. The low A# and F in the bass provide a deep, resonant foundation, while the higher strings introduce a rich, extended harmony with the minor seventh (G#) and the aforementioned conflicting thirds. This isn't a tuning for simple strumming of open chords in a conventional sense; rather, it suggests an exploration of layered voicings, drone effects, and perhaps even polytonal ideas.

It could be particularly well-suited for progressive rock, metal, ambient, or experimental music where unusual harmonies and textures are desired. The wide intervals in the lower register, combined with the close, dissonant intervals higher up, offer a sound that can be both heavy and ethereal, dark and contemplative. Musicians seeking a tuning that forces them out of conventional fretboard patterns will find much to discover here.

Technical Analysis: A#2 F2 C3 C#4 G#4 C4

• Root Note (6th String): The low A#2 serves as the anchor, providing a deep fundamental tone.
• Bass Interval (5th String): The F2 on the 5th string creates a significant interval from the A#2 (a diminished 5th or augmented 4th below the root), offering a powerful, open sound in the lower register.
• Conflicting Thirds (4th, 3rd, 1st Strings): The most striking feature is the presence of C3 (minor 3rd), C#4 (major 3rd), and C4 (octave minor 3rd) relative to A#. This means the tuning contains both the minor and major third simultaneously, which, when strummed open, results in a highly dissonant clash. This could be intentionally used for specific effects, or it suggests that certain strings might be selectively muted or used in isolation.
• Minor Seventh (2nd String): The G#4 provides the minor seventh, completing an A#m7 chord (A#, C, F, G#) if the C# string is avoided.
• Open Chord Voicings:
• Strumming all strings open will yield a very complex and dissonant chord due to the simultaneous minor and major thirds.
• By muting the 3rd string (C#4), an A#m7 (A#2, F2, C3, G#4, C4) voicing is available, offering a strong minor sound with a deep, open bass.
• The presence of F (b5) and G# (m7) suggests possibilities for altered dominant chords or bluesy voicings, particularly if the conflicting thirds are managed with careful fingering.
• Reach Chords: Due to the open string relationships, barre chords or simple two-finger shapes can quickly yield powerful extended harmonies. The minor 3rd and minor 7th are readily available, making minor 7th and minor 9th (with an added 9th via fretting) voicings accessible across the neck. The conflicting thirds also open avenues for interesting sus2 or sus4 variations, or even quick transitions between minor and major tonalities by choosing which 'third' string to include.

How to Tune: A Sharp Minor 9

Please be aware of the significant string tension changes for some strings. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different gauge string is strongly advised to maintain string integrity and optimal tone.

• String 6: Tune to A#2. This involves tuning down 6 semitones.
  Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance and to prevent floppiness.
• String 5: Tune to F2. This involves tuning down 4 semitones.
  Care Advised: Tuning down 4 semitones is at the limit for standard gauges; proceed with care or consider a slightly heavier string.
• String 4: Tune to C3. This involves tuning down 2 semitones.
• String 3: Tune to C#4. This involves tuning down 6 semitones.
  Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance and to prevent floppiness.
• String 2: Tune to G#4. This involves tuning down 3 semitones.
  Care Advised: Proceed with care.
• String 1: Tune to C4. This involves tuning down 4 semitones.
  Care Advised: Tuning down 4 semitones is at the limit for standard gauges; proceed with care or consider a slightly heavier string.