This unique Guitar tuning, originally named "C6/9 add B" and inspired by the song "January Air" as described by its creator, offers a distinct and expansive sonic landscape.

Verbal Analysis

"January Air C6/9" is a truly open and shimmering tuning that evokes a sense of vastness and modern harmonic richness. With the omission of the traditional 3rd (E) and 5th (G) of a C major chord, the open strings create an ambiguous yet bright and airy sound. The prominent intervals of the 6th, 7th, and 9th contribute to a sophisticated, almost suspended quality. It's a tuning that invites exploration of open voicings, drone-like passages, and complex harmonies without the need for extensive fretting, making it ideal for fingerstyle, atmospheric textures, and songwriting that aims for an expansive, contemporary feel.

Technical Analysis

The open strings of this tuning are C2-A2-C3-A3-B3-D4 (from low E to high E string). This arrangement forms a rich Cmaj7(add6, add9) voicing. When analyzed from the lowest C (C2), the intervals are:

• String 6 (C2): Root
• String 5 (A2): Major 6th
• String 4 (C3): Octave
• String 3 (A3): Octave of Major 6th
• String 2 (B3): Major 7th
• String 1 (D4): Major 9th

This unique structure highlights the 6th, 7th, and 9th intervals while omitting the 3rd (E) and 5th (G), which creates a harmonically open and less resolved sound compared to a standard major chord. The paired C and A strings (6th & 4th, 5th & 3rd respectively) facilitate easy drone and octave voicings. The high B and D strings are a major second apart, offering a ready-made major 9th interval that can be easily manipulated.

Chords within Reach

The open tuning itself presents a beautiful Cmaj7(add6, add9) chord. By simply barring across various frets, you can transpose this complex voicing to other keys (e.g., a bar on the 1st fret yields a C#maj7(add6, add9) or Dbmaj7(add6, add9)). The strategic placement of the A notes and C notes across the lower strings allows for easy creation of open power chords or suspended voicings. The tight interval between the 1st and 2nd strings (B3 and D4) is excellent for creating accessible major 9th or major 2nd intervals with minimal effort. This tuning is particularly conducive to arpeggiated figures and harmonized melodies, where the open strings can act as a consistent drone or harmonic anchor.

How to Tune

To achieve the "January Air C6/9" tuning, adjust your guitar strings from standard E Standard as follows:

• Low E String (6th String): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. (Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; ensure your string gauge can handle this without floppiness. A heavier gauge string may be advisable for optimal tension and tone.)
• A String (5th String): Keep as is; no change from A2 to A2 (0 semitones).
• D String (4th String): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• G String (3rd String): Tune up 2 semitones from G3 to A3. (Note: Tuning up 2 semitones should be fine, but always tune gradually and ensure your strings are in good condition.)
• B String (2nd String): Keep as is; no change from B3 to B3 (0 semitones).
• High E String (1st String): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Here are the notes for each string in the "January Air C6/9" tuning:

• 6th String (Lowest): C2
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: C3
• 3rd String: A3
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String (Highest): D4