A# 6/9 Tuning: An Exploration in Extended Harmonies

This unique tuning, aptly named "A# 6/9 Tuning," offers a rich and complex sonic landscape. Discovered through creative experimentation, it moves significantly away from standard guitar tuning to unlock a world of extended harmonies and resonant open strings. It's particularly well-suited for players looking to explore jazz, ambient soundscapes, or intricate fingerstyle patterns, providing a full and intriguing chord right from the open strings.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to C2-G2-A#3-F3-A#4-D4 (from low to high E string). When analyzing the core harmony, we primarily find an A# (Bb) major chord with significant extensions. The notes A# (Bb), D, F, G, and C are present, which beautifully spell out an A# (Bb) Major 6/9 chord (Root, Major 3rd, Perfect 5th, Major 6th, Major 9th). The lowest C2 and G2 strings act as powerful pedal tones, adding depth and a slightly suspended, or even polytonal, quality to the open voicing. This creates a very full, almost piano-like texture when all strings are strummed open.

Sonic Characteristics and Open Chords

The open tuning itself produces a resonant and complex chord, providing an immediate source of inspiration. The wide intervals between some strings (e.g., C2 to G2, G2 to A#3) offer unique melodic possibilities and allow for droning lower notes against higher, moving lines. Due to the inherent complexity, simple open chords found in standard tuning will be completely revoiced or rendered impossible, encouraging exploration of new shapes.

Some direct implications for playing include:

• Open A# (Bb) 6/9 Chord: Strumming all strings open immediately gives you this rich, extended harmony.
• Simplified Barre Chords: Moving a single barre shape up or down the neck will transpose the open A# 6/9 chord, offering a quick way to access a variety of sophisticated major 6/9 voicings. For instance, barring at the 1st fret would yield a B 6/9 chord.
• Drone Opportunities: The low C2 and G2 strings can serve as stable drone notes, over which melodies and harmonies can be played on the higher strings.
• Unique Power Chords: The lower strings allow for interesting and powerful two-note intervals, such as a C-G perfect fifth on the 6th and 5th strings, or a G-A# (Bb) minor third on the 5th and 4th strings.
• Fingerstyle Exploration: The specific arrangement of notes lends itself to intricate arpeggios and fingerstyle patterns, where the interplay of the sustained open strings can create captivating textures.

This tuning invites guitarists to think outside the box, offering a foundation for modern jazz, progressive rock, or deeply atmospheric music.

How to Tune Your Guitar to A# 6/9 Tuning

To achieve the A# 6/9 Tuning, you will need to adjust each string from standard EADGBe tuning. Please note the significant drops on several strings; consider string gauge if these tunings are to be used frequently or permanently.

• 6th String (Low E) to C2: Tune down 4 semitones. This is a substantial drop from E to C, so exercise care. A heavier gauge string may be advisable.
• 5th String (A) to G2: Tune down 2 semitones.
• 4th String (D) to A#3: Tune down 4 semitones. This is another significant drop from D to A#. A heavier gauge string may be advisable for optimal tension and tone.
• 3rd String (G) to F3: Tune down 2 semitones.
• 2nd String (B) to A#4: Tune down 1 semitones.
• 1st String (High E) to D4: Tune down 2 semitones.

Always tune carefully and check the pitch with a reliable tuner. Enjoy exploring the unique sounds of this tuning!