Tuning Analysis: Cm9 Open Tuning

This custom guitar tuning, aptly named "Cm9 Open Tuning," is specifically crafted for playing Ryohei Shimoyama's song 'The Wedding Bouquet'. It creates a rich, complex harmonic foundation with its open strings, setting a distinct mood for the piece. The instruction to use a capo on the 3rd fret is crucial, as it will transpose the open Cm9 chord to an Ebm9 (Eb minor 9) chord, offering a different tonal center for the composition.

Technical Analysis

In standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), the notes of this tuning are significantly altered to achieve a specific harmonic structure. The open strings are tuned to C2, G2, D#4, G3, A#4, and D4 (from lowest to highest string).

Analyzing these notes (C, G, D#, G, A#, D), we can identify the components of a C minor 9 chord:

• C (Root): Provided by the 6th string.
• G (Perfect 5th): Found on the 5th and 3rd strings.
• D# (Minor 3rd - Eb): Present on the 4th string, defining the minor quality.
• A# (Minor 7th - Bb): On the 2nd string, adding the dominant 7th character.
• D (Major 9th): On the 1st string, providing the extended harmony.

The result is a beautifully voiced C minor 9 chord when all open strings are strummed. This immediately provides a melancholic yet sophisticated foundation, perfect for atmospheric or jazz-influenced pieces. The low C and G strings offer a strong bass presence, while the higher strings fill out the complex harmony.

Playing Potential and Chordal Opportunities

With the open strings forming a Cm9 chord, this tuning offers unique playing opportunities:

• Open Chord Voicings: Strumming the open strings immediately provides a rich Cm9. With the capo on the 3rd fret, this becomes an Ebm9, shifting the harmonic center.
• Barre Chords: By applying a single finger barre across all strings at any fret, you can easily produce other minor 9 chords. For example, a barre at the 1st fret would yield a C#m9 (Dbm9), at the 2nd fret a Dm9, and so on. This simplifies playing complex minor 9 harmonies across the neck.
• Drone Effects: The consistent minor 9 harmony allows for melodic exploration on individual strings while maintaining the underlying chordal drone.
• Unique Fingerings: Standard chord shapes will need to be re-learned, but this tuning opens up new, often simpler, fingerings for otherwise complex chords. The close proximity of the 4th (D#), 3rd (G), 2nd (A#), and 1st (D) strings, combined with the low C and G, allows for interesting voicings and arpeggios.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "Cm9 Open Tuning," follow these precise string adjustments from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). All movements are relative to standard pitch.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. This is a significant drop but generally safe for standard gauge strings.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 1 semitone to D#4. Exercise caution when tuning up.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone to A#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Important Note on String Gauge: While all the specified tuning changes are within a range that is generally safe for standard guitar strings, any movement exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down) typically advises considering a different string gauge to optimize playability and string tension. In this specific tuning, the largest movement is 4 semitones down on the 6th string, which is manageable. Always tune slowly and carefully.

6th String: C2 (Lowest string)

5th String: G2

4th String: D#4

3rd String: G3

2nd String: A#4

1st String: D4 (Highest string)