This is a unique and highly experimental tuning, aptly named "D flat add 9," reflecting a journey into non-standard harmonic territories. It's described by its creator as a tuning for "messing around before changing my strings," suggesting an adventurous and exploratory approach to the instrument. The tuning spans a wide range of over three octaves, from a deep F2 on the 5th string to a bright D#5 on the 1st string, creating a rich and resonant soundscape.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning, ordered from lowest pitch to highest (regardless of string number), are: F2 (String 5), C#3 (String 6), F3 (String 3), D#4 (String 4), C#5 (String 2), and D#5 (String 1).

• The arrangement places the 5th string (F2) as the lowest note, which is lower than the 6th string (C#3). This creates an interesting inversion, where the traditional bass string is not the lowest pitch, adding a unique character to the tuning's foundation.
• The primary pitches available are F, C#, and D# (enharmonically Eb). This combination creates a highly dissonant, yet potentially very evocative, harmonic palette. It does not readily form conventional major or minor chords, leaning instead towards augmented or suspended voicings. For instance, the combination of F, C#, and D# could suggest an F augmented triad with an added flat 7th, or various extensions and alterations.
• The presence of a tritone (augmented 4th) between F and C# (e.g., F2 to C#3, or F3 to C#5) is prominent, giving the tuning a somewhat unstable or "open" sound often found in blues, jazz, or avant-garde music.
• While standard open chords may not be immediately apparent, this tuning excels in creating drone-like textures, arpeggiated figures across the wide string spread, and cluster chords with limited finger movement. It encourages exploration of two or three-string voicings that leverage the inherent dissonance for expressive purposes. Slides and sustained notes will find unique resonance in this setup.
• The repetition of F notes (F2, F3) across the lower strings, and D# notes (D#4, D#5) and C# notes (C#3, C#5) across the higher strings, suggests opportunities for octave voicings and resonant overtones, allowing for rich, sustained sounds.

How to Tune

To achieve the "D flat add 9" tuning from standard E Standard tuning, follow these specific string adjustments. Please exercise care, especially with larger movements, as significant changes in string tension can affect your instrument.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 4 semitones to F2. Please note: tuning down 4 semitones can significantly reduce string tension. While not strictly exceeding the -4 semitone threshold where a different string gauge is advised, it is advisable to proceed with caution and monitor your string's feel and intonation.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 1 semitone to D#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 2 semitones to C#5.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#5.

For any string movement exceeding 4 semitones (up or down) from your current tuning, it is generally recommended to consider using a different gauge string to maintain optimal playability, avoid potential issues with string breakage, and ensure stable intonation.

String 6: C#3

String 5: F2

String 4: D#4

String 3: F3

String 2: C#5

String 1: D#5