The August Rush Cadd9 Tuning

This intriguing tuning, aptly named "Cadd9," offers a rich and expansive sonic palette, perfect for creating lush soundscapes. As described by its creator, it's a replication of the distinctive guitar tuning featured in the movie August Rush, used by the main character. This connection adds a layer of artistic inspiration, suggesting a tuning designed for expressive and emotive performances.

Technical Analysis: Open Strings & Chordal Possibilities

The open strings of this tuning lay out a beautiful Cadd9 chord, providing a natural resonance and harmonic fullness. The notes are (from low to high): C1-G1-C2-D2-G2-E3.

• The foundation is a strong C root note on the 6th string, coupled with its perfect fifth (G) on the 5th string and an octave C on the 4th string. This establishes a powerful, open C major triad.
• The 3rd string adds a D, which is the 9th of C. This interval gives the tuning its characteristic "add9" flavor, adding a touch of sophisticated harmony.
• The 2nd string reinforces the G, providing an open fifth within the higher register, contributing to the overall resonance.
• Finally, the 1st string features an E, which is the major 3rd of C, completing the C major triad within the higher strings.

This arrangement makes the tuning incredibly versatile for open strumming, allowing players to achieve a full, complex chord with minimal effort. Many familiar open-string shapes will be transformed, and new chord voicings become readily accessible. For instance, a simple barre across a fret will yield other Add9 chords (e.g., barring at the 5th fret creates an Fadd9: F-C-F-G-C-A). The wide intervals and common tones (C and G) across different octaves make it highly resonant and suitable for both intricate fingerstyle and powerful strumming.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Cadd9

To achieve the August Rush Cadd9 tuning, follow these specific adjustments from your current setup. All movements are within a safe range for standard guitar strings, so a change in string gauge is not necessary for this tuning:

• String 6 (Low E string): Tune down 1 semitone to C1.
• String 5 (A string): Tune up 1 semitone to G1.
• String 4 (D string): Tune up 1 semitone to C2.
• String 3 (G string): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 2 (B string): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 1 (High E string): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.

Always use a reliable tuner and tune carefully, especially when adjusting strings upwards. Enjoy exploring the rich sonic landscapes of this unique Cadd9 tuning!