Tuning Description

This unique and 'so pretty' custom tuning, affectionately named 'C# Minor 9 Drone', offers a rich and distinctive sonic landscape, true to its creator's joyous spirit. It transforms your guitar into an instrument capable of producing deep, resonant harmonies and complex, melancholic voicings.

Verbal Analysis

The immediate impression of this tuning is one of depth and introspection. With two C# strings at the lower end, it establishes a powerful, grounding drone that reverberates through the entire instrument. The addition of the F string introduces a minor third, lending a beautiful, slightly melancholic quality. The higher strings – C, D#, and G# – weave in a rich tapestry of extensions, creating a sound that is both full and ethereal. It feels expansive and moody, ideal for expressive fingerstyle, ambient soundscapes, or even a dark, alternative rock vibe. The intervals invite open string playing that can feel both familiar and refreshingly new, prompting exploration beyond conventional chord shapes.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the open strings to C#3, C#4, F3, C4, D#5, G#5. When strummed open, these notes collectively form a powerful C# minor 9 (C#m9) chord. The constituent intervals relative to the lowest C# (C#3) are:

• 6th String (C#3): Root
• 5th String (C#4): Octave
• 4th String (F3): Minor Third
• 3rd String (C4): Minor Seventh
• 2nd String (D#5): Major Ninth (an octave higher than D#4)
• 1st String (G#5): Perfect Fifth (an octave higher than G#4)

The doubled C# at the bottom provides a strong, resonant foundation, perfect for drone-based playing. The F3 adds the essential minor quality, while the C4 (minor seventh) and D#5 (major ninth) contribute sophisticated jazz-like extensions. The high G#5 serves as a bright, ringing fifth, completing the chord and adding sparkle.

This open C#m9 tuning makes playing complex minor 9 chords effortless across the neck with simple barre shapes. For example, a single barre across all strings at the 1st fret would yield a Dm9 chord (D, D, G, D, E, A). A barre at the 4th fret would give F#m9 (F#, F#, A#, F#, G#, C#). You can also explore interesting partial chords:

• Strumming only strings 6, 5, and 4 (C#3, C#4, F3) creates a clear C# minor triad.
• Playing strings 6, 5, 4, and 3 (C#3, C#4, F3, C4) forms a C# minor 7 chord.
• The high D#5 and G#5 provide excellent opportunities for melodic exploration and harmonizing, creating soaring arpeggios over the C# drone.

This tuning is ripe for experimentation, offering a rich palette for songwriting and improvisation, especially in genres that benefit from lush, extended harmonies and a driving root note.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'C# Minor 9 Drone' tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these instructions carefully. Please note that tuning up or down significantly can put stress on your strings and instrument. Generally, tuning up or down 3 or 4 semitones requires care. When a string movement exceeds negative 4 or positive 4 semitones, it is advisable to consider using a different gauge string to prevent breakage or damage.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 4 semitones to C#4.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 3 semitones to F3.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 5 semitones to C4. (Caution: This movement of +5 semitones is significant. A heavier gauge string for the 3rd string is highly recommended.)
• String 2 (B): Tune up 4 semitones to D#5.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 4 semitones to G#5.

Here are the notes for each string in this tuning, from lowest to highest:

• 6th String: C3#
• 5th String: C4#
• 4th String: F3
• 3rd String: C4
• 2nd String: D5#
• 1st String: G5#