"The Winding Descent (9-String)" is a highly unique and personally crafted tuning for the 9-string guitar, designed to unlock a broad spectrum of harmonic possibilities. As described by its creator, this experimental tuning aims to provide a distinct sonic landscape for exploration.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning offers an exceptionally wide range, starting with a deep, resonant C major triad (C1-E1-G1) on the lowest three strings. From this solid foundation, the tuning embarks on a 'winding descent' of sorts, incorporating a series of stacked perfect fourths (D-G, G-C, C-F) across the middle register, before culminating in a strong A-E perfect fifth on the highest strings. The overall feel is expansive and unconventional, moving fluidly between clear chordal foundations and open, modern voicings. It encourages the player to think beyond traditional strumming, inviting intricate arpeggiated patterns, drone work, and the creation of lush, layered soundscapes, perfect for ambient, progressive, or experimental genres.

Technical Breakdown

The open notes for "The Winding Descent (9-String)" are:

• String 9 (Lowest): C1
• String 8: E1
• String 7: G1
• String 6: D2
• String 5: G2
• String 4: C3
• String 3: F3
• String 2: A3
• String 1 (Highest): E4

Analyzing the intervals between adjacent strings, from lowest to highest:

• C1 to E1: Major 3rd
• E1 to G1: Minor 3rd
• G1 to D2: Compound Perfect 4th (a perfect 4th plus an octave)
• D2 to G2: Perfect 4th
• G2 to C3: Perfect 4th
• C3 to F3: Perfect 4th
• F3 to A3: Major 3rd
• A3 to E4: Perfect 5th

This unique intervallic structure allows for several interesting chordal implications and open voicings:

• The three lowest strings (C1-E1-G1) form a clear and deep C Major chord, providing a powerful harmonic root.
• The sequence D2-G2-C3-F3 across strings 6 through 3 features a stack of perfect fourths, a characteristic often found in modern jazz, fusion, and progressive metal voicings. Open, this creates a rich, ambiguous sound with elements of Gsus4 and Cmaj7sus4.
• Strings 4, 3, and 2 (C3-F3-A3) collectively present an F Major chord in second inversion (C-F-A), readily accessible for melodic and harmonic embellishment.
• The highest two strings (A3-E4) form an open Perfect 5th, offering a bright and resonant top end, suggesting both A minor and A major power chord possibilities.
• Strumming all open strings yields a complex, rich, and somewhat dissonant cluster that leans towards a Cmaj13(add9,sus4) without a clear 7th or 9th in the lower register, highlighting its experimental nature and encouraging exploration beyond conventional chord shapes.

How to Tune to "The Winding Descent (9-String)"

To achieve this unique tuning, please follow these instructions carefully. Pay close attention to the semitone adjustments for each string. If any string requires tuning down 4 or more semitones, or tuning up 4 or more semitones, it is generally advised to consider a different gauge string to ensure playability, intonation, and to prevent string breakage or neck damage.

• String 9 (Lowest, C1): Tune down 1 semitone to reach C1.
• String 8 (E1): Tune down 2 semitones to reach E1.
• String 7 (G1): Tune down 4 semitones to reach G1. Caution advised: A different gauge string may be advisable for safety and optimal tone.
• String 6 (D2): Tune down 2 semitones to reach D2.
• String 5 (G2): Tune down 2 semitones to reach G2.
• String 4 (C3): Tune down 2 semitones to reach C3.
• String 3 (F3): Tune down 2 semitones to reach F3.
• String 2 (A3): Tune down 2 semitones to reach A3.
• String 1 (Highest, E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).