Tuning Analysis: Aadd9 Open B Tuning

This custom guitar tuning, titled "B A C# E A B" by its creator, is ingeniously described as an "aadd9 thing I made on acoustic guitar." It's a highly adventurous tuning for a 6-string guitar, departing significantly from standard EADGBe and offering a rich, expansive sonic palette.

Technical Breakdown:

• Instrument Type: Guitar (6-string)
• Given Tuning Name: B A C# E A B
• Creator's Description: An Aadd9-centric voicing, indicating a focus on the characteristic sound of an Aadd9 chord (A, C#, E, B).
• Open Notes (Low to High): B1, A2, C#4, E3, A3, B3

Verbal & Sonic Description:

The most striking feature of this tuning is its exceptionally low 6th string, tuned to B1. This provides an almost baritone or 7-string like bass foundation, adding immense depth and resonance to the guitar's sound. The subsequent A2 string complements this low B, creating a natural perfect 5th or power chord-like interval with the open B, or a strong root for A-based harmony.

As the creator suggests, the open notes (A, B, C#, E) strongly support an Aadd9 chord. Strumming the open strings will likely produce a full, shimmering Aadd9 (A, C#, E, B) voicing, with the low B1 acting as a deep pedal tone or a strong root if an A minor tonality is implied. The C#4 on the 4th string is particularly high and bright for its position, giving it a bell-like clarity that cuts through the lower register and adds a unique sparkle to the open voicings.

This tuning is ripe for expansive chordal work, ambient soundscapes, and intricate fingerstyle passages. Open chords based around A major, A sus2, Aadd9, and E minor are likely to sound particularly resonant and full. The wide interval range, from the cavernous B1 to the bright C#4 and B3, opens up possibilities for complex harmonies and drones. Players can explore the interplay between the octave A's (A2, A3) and B's (B1, B3), alongside the distinct C#4 and E3.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe):

Crucial Discrepancy Alert: Please be aware that there are significant discrepancies between the provided target notes (tuning_notes) and what the string_movements instructions would produce if applied directly from standard EADGBe tuning. Please verify your intended final pitch for each string, especially String 6 and String 4, before tuning.

Generally, tuning a string up or down by more than 4 semitones can put undue stress on the string or make it too loose. For such drastic changes, a different string gauge is strongly advised to maintain optimal tension and prevent string breakage.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones (Current Standard: E2). Following this instruction from E2 would result in A#1 (Bb1). However, the target note provided is B1. Tuning to B1 from standard E2 is a 7-semitone drop, not 5. If aiming for B1, this string will be under significantly less tension than standard, and a heavier gauge string is highly recommended for optimal playability and intonation.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) (Current Standard: A2). This string remains at A2, matching the target note.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitones (Current Standard: D3). Following this instruction from D3 would result in C#3. However, the target note provided is C#4. Reaching C#4 from standard D3 would require tuning *up* 10 semitones, which is an extreme change and highly likely to cause string breakage on a standard D string. If C#4 is the desired target, a significantly lighter gauge string would be necessary, and you would be tuning *up*, not down. Please exercise extreme caution and verify your intended pitch for this string.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones (Current Standard: G3). This string is tuned down 3 semitones, resulting in E3, matching the target note.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones (Current Standard: B3). This string is tuned down 2 semitones, resulting in A3, matching the target note.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 5 semitones (Current Standard: E4). This string is tuned down 5 semitones, resulting in B3, matching the target note. Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string to maintain adequate tension and prevent floppiness.

Always use a reliable tuner and make adjustments slowly and incrementally to avoid damaging your guitar or strings.

String 6 (Lowest): B1 - An exceptionally deep and resonant bass note, extending the guitar's range significantly downwards, providing a powerful foundation.

String 5: A2 - This string provides the root for the Aadd9 harmony and pairs effectively with the low B, forming either a perfect 5th (if B is root) or a foundational root (if A is root).

String 4: C#4 - A remarkably high note for this string position, contributing the major third of A to the open chord. Its bright, clear tone will stand out prominently.

String 3: E3 - The perfect fifth of A, providing harmonic stability and richness to the open chord voicing, balancing the low and high registers.

String 2: A3 - An octave higher than the 5th string, reinforcing the root and adding body and presence to the higher midrange of the tuning.

String 1 (Highest): B3 - This note provides the added 9th (or 2nd) of A, located an octave above the low B. It contributes the characteristic 'add9' flavor and adds a sparkling top end to the overall sound.