The Bass Emaj9 tuning for a 5-string bass guitar offers a rich, open major ninth chord voicing, with the fifth of the chord (B) acting as the lowest bass note. This unique configuration, as described by the tuning name "5 string Bass, open E maj9 with the 5th in the bass", provides a lush harmonic foundation perfect for jazz, R&B, progressive rock, or any genre seeking a sophisticated, full-bodied sound.

Technical Analysis:

• The open strings are tuned to B1 - E2 - G#3 - D#4 - F#4.
• When these notes are analyzed relative to E (the root of the chord): B (Perfect 5th), E (Root), G# (Major 3rd), D# (Major 7th), F# (Major 9th). This precisely forms an Emaj9 chord with B in the bass (Emaj9/B).
• The intervals between adjacent strings, from lowest to highest, are:
  • String 5 (B1) to String 4 (E2): Perfect 4th (P4)
  • String 4 (E2) to String 3 (G#3): Major 3rd (M3)
  • String 3 (G#3) to String 2 (D#4): Perfect 5th (P5)
  • String 2 (D#4) to String 1 (F#4): Minor 3rd (m3)
• This unique intervalic structure (P4, M3, P5, m3) contributes to the full and complex sound of the open chord, providing a wide range of harmonic possibilities.
• Chordal Opportunities: The most immediate benefit is the ability to strum all open strings to achieve a clear, resonant Emaj9/B chord. This provides a strong harmonic anchor for compositions and improvisations. By applying a single-finger barre across all five strings at any fret, you can effortlessly transpose this Emaj9/B voicing to other major ninth chords (e.g., barring at the 1st fret yields Fmaj9/C, at the 2nd fret F#maj9/C#, etc.). This simplifies playing sophisticated harmonies and provides a distinct sound palette compared to standard bass tunings, making complex chordal voicings readily accessible on the bass.

How to Tune from Standard 5-String Bass (B-E-A-D-G):

• String 5 (Lowest, Standard B1): Target Note: B1. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (Standard E2): Target Note: E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (Standard A2): Target Note: G#3. Tune down 1 semitone to G#3.
• String 2 (Standard D3): Target Note: D#4. Tune up 1 semitone to D#4.
• String 1 (Highest, Standard G3): Target Note: F#4. Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.

Important Note: All string movements in this tuning are within +/- 1 semitone. This means a standard set of bass strings should comfortably accommodate the tuning changes without requiring a different gauge. Always tune carefully and check intonation after significant tuning adjustments.