Verbal Analysis

This is a powerful and extended range tuning for 9-string guitars, based on the very low 'C' as its foundation. It essentially takes the common 9-string C# Standard tuning and shifts it down by a semitone, providing a slightly slacker feel and even deeper resonance. The familiar EADGBe portion of a 6-string is maintained for the higher strings, making it accessible for players transitioning from standard tunings, while the added low B, F, and C strings open up immense possibilities for heavy riffing, djent, progressive metal, and experimental music. The lower tension from the slight detuning can contribute to a "sludgier" or "slower" feel, which might be the inspiration behind the original, albeit somewhat misleading, name 'the slowmotion tuning' provided in the source material, despite the actual notes diverging from the DGDFCD example given. It offers a rich, full sound with significant low-end capability.

Technical Analysis

Tuning Structure and Intervals

The tuning for this 9-string guitar is C1-F1-B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4, ordered from the lowest (9th) to the highest (1st) string. An analysis of the intervals between adjacent strings reveals a mostly consistent structure with two notable deviations:

• String 9 (C1) to String 8 (F1): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• String 8 (F1) to String 7 (B1): Augmented Fourth / Tritone (6 semitones) – This interval adds a distinctive tension to the lowest part of the tuning.
• String 7 (B1) to String 6 (E2): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• String 6 (E2) to String 5 (A2): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (D3): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (G3): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (B3): Major Third (4 semitones) – This is the standard G-B interval found in EADGBe tunings, which allows for familiar chord shapes on the higher strings.
• String 2 (B3) to String 1 (E4): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)

Open Chords and Voicings

While not designed as an open chord tuning (where strumming all open strings forms a coherent chord), the distribution of notes provides a strong harmonic foundation and allows for various voicings:

• The overall tuning contains the notes C, E, G, B, which collectively form a C Major 7th chord, albeit widely spaced across the instrument.
• Standard power chords are easily accessible on the lowest strings (C5 on string 9, F5 on string 8, B5 on string 7) by muting or fretting other strings.
• Partial open chords can be voiced:
  • E minor (E-G-B) can be played across strings 6, 3, and 2.
  • G major (G-B-D) can be played across strings 3, 2, and 4.
  • A minor (A-C-E) can be formed using strings 5, 9 (the very low C1), and 6.
• The consistent perfect fourths across most strings (except G-B and F-B) mean that many standard chord shapes and arpeggios on the higher strings will translate well, requiring adjustments primarily for the lowest F-B tritone and the extended range. This tuning excels in creating heavy, detuned riffs and expansive chord voicings that fully utilize the deep low end.

How to Tune

To achieve this "9-String C Standard" tuning, start from a common 9-string C# Standard tuning (C#1-F#1-B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4) and make the following precise adjustments. All described string movements are minor and fall within safe limits for standard guitar string gauges, ensuring no excessive tension or slackness.

• String 9 (originally C#1): Tune down 1 semitone to C1.
• String 8 (originally F#1): Tune down 1 semitone to F1.
• String 7 (originally B1): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 6 (originally E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (originally A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (originally D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (originally G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (originally B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (originally E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

String 9: C1

String 8: F1

String 7: B1

String 6: E2

String 5: A2

String 4: D3

String 3: G3

String 2: B3

String 1: E4