The Badd9 Tuning is a distinctive open tuning for the guitar, immediately recognizable by its rich, full sound. As its name suggests, when strummed open, this tuning produces a beautiful Badd9 chord, providing a deep and resonant harmonic foundation. This makes it particularly well-suited for styles that benefit from lush, sustained harmonies, such as ambient, progressive rock, or contemporary folk. The unique arrangement of notes encourages exploration beyond standard chord shapes, opening up new melodic and harmonic territories.

Technical Analysis

From the lowest to the highest string, the tuning is: B1 - F3# - B2 - D4# - F4# - C5#. This sequence establishes a B major triad (B, D#, F#) across multiple octaves, with the critical addition of the C# (the 9th), which provides the distinctive 'add9' quality. Analyzing the intervals between adjacent strings reveals a complex but harmonically rich structure:

• 6th String (B1) to 5th String (F3#): A perfect fifth, spanning two octaves, providing a strong harmonic anchor.
• 5th String (F3#) to 4th String (B2): A perfect fourth, with the B an octave lower than the F#, creating a unique bass interval.
• 4th String (B2) to 3rd String (D4#): A major third, with the D# an octave higher, establishing the major tonality.
• 3rd String (D4#) to 2nd String (F4#): A minor third, a common interval that adds to the chord's texture.
• 2nd String (F4#) to 1st String (C5#): A perfect fifth, reinforcing the harmonic series.

The combination of these intervals creates a versatile palette for songwriting. The open Badd9 chord is immediate and powerful, offering a full, resonant strum. Due to the presence of multiple B and F# notes across the lower strings, power chords rooted in B (or other roots by shifting) are readily accessible, providing a solid rhythmic foundation. The open C# (the 9th) on the highest string can also lead to interesting Lydian-esque melodic explorations and unique voicings that diverge from standard chord shapes.

How to Tune

To achieve the Badd9 Tuning, you'll need to adjust each string from standard EADGBe tuning as follows:

• 6th String (Original Low E): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial adjustment. For optimal string tension and tone, especially for sustained play, consider using a heavier gauge string for this position.
• 5th String (Original A): Tune down 3 semitones to F3#.
• 4th String (Original D): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• 3rd String (Original G): Tune down 4 semitones to D4#. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant adjustment. For optimal string tension and tone, especially for sustained play, consider using a heavier gauge string for this position.
• 2nd String (Original B): Tune down 5 semitones to F4#. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial adjustment. For optimal string tension and tone, especially for sustained play, consider using a heavier gauge string for this position.
• 1st String (Original High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C5#.

Always tune slowly and carefully to avoid damaging your strings or guitar. Use a reliable tuner for accuracy.

6th String: Tune to B1

5th String: Tune to F3#

4th String: Tune to B2

3rd String: Tune to D4#

2nd String: Tune to F4#

1st String: Tune to C5#