Tuning Analysis: Dean Murphy Open C, 9 String

The "Dean Murphy Open C, 9 String" tuning is a rich and expansive open tuning for a 9-string guitar, known for its use in Dean Murphy's song "First Train to Freedom." This specific arrangement creates a powerful C Major chord when all open strings are strummed, making it exceptionally versatile for a wide range of musical styles, particularly those requiring a full, resonant sound.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, this is an Open C tuning, meaning the open strings naturally form a C Major chord (C-E-G). The 9-string configuration allows for a massive sonic landscape, extending from a very low C1 up to E4. This broad range provides a deep, rumbling bass foundation alongside bright, shimmering trebles. The repetitive pattern of C, G, E across the strings offers both harmonic richness and melodic potential, making it easy to discover resonant voicings and arpeggios. The inherent C Major chord quality means that much of the fretboard will instantly yield harmonious results, particularly with barre chords.

Technical Analysis

• Root Chord: C Major (C-E-G). All open strings are members of the C Major triad, providing a full, resonant C Major chord.
• String Notes: C1-G1-C2-E2-G2-C3-G3-C4-E4. This covers a vast range, spanning almost three octaves from the lowest C to the highest E.
• Intervalic Structure (from C1): The tuning follows a pattern of Root (C), Fifth (G), Octave (C), Major Third (E), Fifth (G), Octave (C), Fifth (G), Octave (C), Major Third (E). This consistent use of major chord tones makes the tuning inherently consonant.
• Harmonic Potential: The repetition of notes across different octaves (e.g., C1, C2, C3, C4) and the consistent presence of G and E allows for powerful drone notes and lush, complex voicings.

Open Chords & Accessibility

• C Major (Open): Strumming all strings open delivers a massive C Major chord.
• Barre Chords: Due to its open nature, simply barring all strings at any fret will produce a corresponding Major chord. For example:
  • Barre at Fret 1: C# Major
  • Barre at Fret 2: D Major
  • Barre at Fret 3: Eb Major
• Minor Chords: While the open tuning is major, minor chords can be easily achieved with slight adjustments. For instance, fretting the E notes down to Eb (e.g., on String 6 and String 1) will give a C minor sound, often by fretting at the 2nd fret on the E strings.
• Melodic Playing: The repeating C-G-C and C-E intervals make melodic runs and arpeggios feel intuitive and rich, especially when playing across strings.

How to Tune Your 9-String Guitar to Dean Murphy Open C

To achieve the Dean Murphy Open C tuning, carefully adjust each string according to the instructions below. Remember to make small, gradual adjustments to avoid over-tightening or breaking strings. For string movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is often recommended, though this tuning does not have such extreme movements.

• String 9 (Lowest String): Tune down 1 semitone to C1.
• String 8: Tune up 1 semitone to G1.
• String 7: Tune up 1 semitone to C2.
• String 6: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E2.
• String 5: Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4: Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2: Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• String 1 (Highest String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.