Overview: A Luminous Open Cmaj7add9 Tuning

This "Open Cmaj7add9" tuning, beautifully described as an "absolutely beautiful open tuning," truly lives up to its name. It transforms your guitar into a resonant soundscape, immediately presenting a lush Cmaj7add9 chord when strummed open. This sophisticated voicing offers a rich harmonic foundation, making it an ideal choice for fingerstyle arrangements, ambient soundscapes, or compositions that require a warm, expansive, and slightly melancholic yet uplifting feel.

The wide intervals and specific note choices create a dense, shimmering quality. With a low C as the root, the tuning spans several octaves, providing a full-bodied sound that feels both grounded and ethereal. The presence of the major seventh (B) and major ninth (D) adds a jazz-influenced sophistication, moving beyond simple major or minor open tunings into a realm of advanced harmonic possibility.

Technical Analysis: The Cmaj7add9 Voicing

The open strings are tuned to C2 G2 G2 D3 B3 C4. When analyzed, these notes construct a clear Cmaj7add9 chord:

• C2 (String 6): The root, providing a deep, foundational bass.
• G2 (String 5): The perfect fifth, reinforcing the C tonality.
• G2 (String 4): Another perfect fifth, creating a powerful unison with string 5 and adding density.
• D3 (String 3): The major ninth (D), adding a rich, expressive extension.
• B3 (String 2): The major seventh (B), lending the characteristic 'maj7' feel.
• C4 (String 1): An octave of the root, bringing the chord to a bright, clear close.

This specific voicing maximizes resonance and sustain, allowing for complex harmonic textures with minimal effort. The repeated G note on strings 5 and 4 creates a strong drone potential and offers melodic flexibility. The distribution of notes across the fretboard also sets up interesting possibilities for fretted chords.

Chords & Playability: Unlocking Potential

Beyond the captivating open Cmaj7add9, this tuning offers several intuitive pathways for exploration:

• Barre Chords: By simply barring all six strings at a higher fret, you can easily transpose the Cmaj7add9 chord. For example, a barre at the 2nd fret yields a Dmaj7add9, at the 3rd fret an Ebmaj7add9, and so on. This makes navigating chord progressions based on this specific voicing remarkably straightforward.
• Power Chords & Drones: Playing the lowest three strings (C2-G2-G2) provides a powerful C5 chord, excellent for robust rhythmic parts or sustained drones. The doubled G is particularly effective here.
• Implied Harmonies: Even playing subsets of the open strings will yield harmonious results. For instance, strings 3, 2, and 1 (D3-B3-C4) suggest elements of Cmaj7 or Cmaj9, blending seamlessly with the overall tonality.
• Melodic Opportunities: The low C and G strings provide a solid foundation for melodic lines on the higher strings. Fingerstyle players will find ample space for arpeggios and interwoven melodies within the rich harmonic framework.

How to Tune: From E Standard to Open Cmaj7add9

To achieve this beautiful tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, you will need to adjust most of your strings significantly. Please tune carefully and consider using a heavier gauge for strings with larger drops to maintain optimal tension and tone. Standard guitar strings may feel quite loose with these dramatic changes. Here are the precise adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E to C): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. (Note: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is advised.)
• String 5 (A to G): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• String 4 (D to G): Tune down 7 semitones from D3 to G2. (Note: This is a very significant drop, crossing an octave; a much heavier gauge string is strongly advised to prevent excessive floppiness.)
• String 3 (G to D): Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. (Note: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is advised.)
• String 2 (B to B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3 to B3.
• String 1 (High E to C): Tune down 4 semitones from E4 to C4. (Note: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is advised.)

Always use a reliable tuner and check your intonation after tuning, especially with such drastic changes.

String 6: C2 (Low C)

String 5: G2 (Fifth below Middle C)

String 4: G2 (Fifth below Middle C, unison with String 5)

String 3: D3 (First D above Middle C)

String 2: B3 (Seventh above Middle C)

String 1: C4 (Middle C)