Tuning Analysis: Open A9 (Young D.T.-Whatever he Likes)

Verbal Analysis

This unique guitar tuning, labeled as "Open A9" and described as "Young D.T.-Whatever he Likes," presents a highly unconventional and widely spaced set of open notes: B1 A2 G2 C4# G3 E4. It deviates significantly from standard open chord tunings, suggesting an experimental approach focused on specific melodic or harmonic textures rather than easy strumming of common chords. The arrangement creates a very open and resonant sound, with dramatic jumps in pitch between certain strings, particularly the expansive leap from the G2 on the 4th string to the C4# on the 3rd string. This broad range offers opportunities for intricate arpeggios, drone-like accompaniment, and modern compositional techniques. While not immediately conducive to traditional chord shapes, it provides a rich canvas for unique voicings and atmospheric soundscapes, encouraging exploration beyond conventional harmony.

Technical Analysis

The open notes of this tuning are B1, A2, G2, C4#, G3, E4. Analysing the intervals between adjacent strings reveals a highly irregular structure:

• String 6 (B1) to String 5 (A2): A wide interval of a Major 7th (10 semitones) up.
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (G2): A Major 2nd (2 semitones) down.
• String 4 (G2) to String 3 (C4#): An extraordinarily large jump of an octave and an Augmented 4th (18 semitones) up. This is a defining characteristic, creating a dramatic sonic leap.
• String 3 (C4#) to String 2 (G3): A Perfect 5th (7 semitones) down.
• String 2 (G3) to String 1 (E4): A Major 6th (9 semitones) up.

When strumming all open strings together, the composite notes are B, C#, E, G, A. Interestingly, if the lowest B string is omitted, the notes from the 5th string down (A2, G2, C4#, G3, E4) clearly form an A Major 7 chord (A, C#, E, G) with a doubled G and E. Including the low B1 adds a complex ninth or tension to an A chord, potentially creating a rich Aadd9/B voicing, or a B minor 7th flat 5 with added extensions. This tuning's wide note spread and unique intervals are ideal for experimental fingerstyle arrangements and compositions exploring drone and arpeggiated textures, offering a sonic palette far removed from standard guitar tunings.

How to Tune (from Standard E-A-D-G-B-E)

Please note that altering string tension significantly can be risky. When tuning strings more than 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is advisable to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument. Tuning up 3 or 4 semitones also requires careful attention.

• String 6 (Low E): From standard E2, tune down 5 semitones to B1. Caution: This is a significant drop in tension; a heavier gauge string is highly recommended for optimal playability and intonation.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from A2. The string remains at A2.
• String 4 (D): From standard D3, tune down 7 semitones to G2. Caution: This is a substantial drop in tension; a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended to maintain tension and prevent string flop.
• String 3 (G): From standard G3, tune down 6 semitones. The target note is C4#. Caution: This is a significant drop in tension; a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended. (Note: Tuning a standard G3 string down 6 semitones would typically result in C#3, not C#4. Please verify the desired C4# pitch carefully, as achieving it from G3 by simply tuning down 6 semitones is musically inconsistent. You may need to tune up significantly if your intention is C4# from G3, which would then require a much lighter gauge string.)
• String 2 (B): From standard B3, tune down 4 semitones to G3. Caution: This is a considerable drop in tension, and a heavier gauge string might improve playability and intonation.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4. The string remains at E4.

The open strings for this tuning are as follows:

• String 6: B1
• String 5: A2
• String 4: G2
• String 3: C4#
• String 2: G3
• String 1: E4