The All-C Unison Tuning

Welcome to the incredibly unique and resonant All-C Unison Tuning for a 9-string guitar. This experimental tuning transforms your instrument into a massive, multi-octave C drone, offering a soundscape that is both deep and harmonious. Instead of traditional intervals between strings, every single string is tuned to a C note, spanning a vast range from C0 to C4.

Verbal Analysis:

Imagine striking all strings simultaneously in this tuning – the result is a powerful, expansive C chord, rich with overtones and octaves. It's less about forming conventional chord shapes and more about creating a sonic wash or a foundational drone. This tuning is perfect for ambient music, experimental sound design, or compositions that require a deep, unwavering tonal center. Slide players will find a whole new world of possibilities, as moving a slide across all strings instantly transforms the entire instrument into another chord, maintaining its unison character. While traditional chord voicings will be challenging, the beauty lies in its simplicity and raw power, allowing for incredibly resonant melodies on individual strings or massive power chords by fretting across multiple strings at the same fret.

Technical Analysis:

Technically, the All-C Unison Tuning presents all nine strings as various octaves of C. The specific open notes are: C0, C1, C1, C2, C2, C3, C3, C4, C4. This configuration results in a highly dense C major chord when strummed open, effectively a C power chord distributed across four different octaves, plus unison strings. The lack of distinct 3rds or 5ths on open strings means the fundamental C tone is paramount. The harmonic interplay between the numerous C notes creates a natural resonance and sustain. This tuning shifts the focus from vertical chord building to horizontal melodic development or drone textures. Musicians exploring this tuning will discover a unique approach to composition, emphasizing timbre and sustained sound over conventional harmonic progression.

Tuning Notes Overview

Here are the specific target notes for each string in the All-C Unison Tuning:

• String 9 (Lowest): C0
• String 8: C1
• String 7: C1
• String 6: C2
• String 5: C2
• String 4: C3
• String 3: C3
• String 2: C4
• String 1 (Highest): C4

How to Tune Your Guitar for All-C Unison Tuning

Achieving this unique tuning requires careful adjustment of your strings. Please follow the instructions below for each string. Remember that large string tension changes (tuning up or down 4 or more semitones) may require a different string gauge to maintain proper tension and avoid string breakage or damage to your instrument. Proceed with caution.

• String 9: Tune down 13 semitones to C0. Caution: This is a significant change. A different string gauge is strongly advised.
• String 8: Tune down 6 semitones to C1. Caution: This is a significant change. A different string gauge is advised.
• String 7: Tune down 11 semitones to C1. Caution: This is a significant change. A different string gauge is strongly advised.
• String 6: Tune down 4 semitones to C2. Caution: A different string gauge may be advised.
• String 5: Tune down 9 semitones to C2. Caution: This is a significant change. A different string gauge is strongly advised.
• String 4: Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3: Tune down 7 semitones to C3. Caution: This is a significant change. A different string gauge is advised.
• String 2: Tune up 1 semitones to C4.
• String 1: Tune down 4 semitones to C4. Caution: A different string gauge may be advised.