The C# Deep 9th Tuning transforms your guitar into a resonant instrument capable of complex, rich harmonic textures. Designed to facilitate the easy execution of 'add9' chords, this tuning offers a unique soundscape that is both dark and sophisticated.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning envelops the listener in a deep, almost melancholic resonance, primarily due to the significant lowering of most strings. It encourages an expressive, chordal playing style, where intricate 'add9' voicings emerge effortlessly from open strings and simple fretting positions. The overall sound leans towards a jazzy, contemplative mood, perfect for evocative arpeggios and rich harmonic explorations that stand apart from standard tunings. The low C# provides a robust foundation, while the higher strings, especially the D#5, add a shimmering, extended quality.

Technical Analysis

• Open Notes: The open strings are tuned to C#3, F#3, B2, E3, G#4, and D#5.
• Root Reference (C#): From the lowest C# string, the intervals are: C# (Root), F# (Perfect 4th), B (Minor 7th), E (Minor 3rd), G# (Perfect 5th), and D# (Major 9th).
• Open Chord Voicing: Strumming all open strings yields a complex C#m7(add4, add9) chord, providing an immediate sense of depth and harmonic richness.
• Internal Relationships: The B2-E3-G#4 (strings 4, 3, 2) forms an E major triad, offering a brighter counterpoint within the tuning. The F#3-B2-E3 (strings 5, 4, 3) hints at a Bsus4 voicing.
• 'Add9' Focus: The inherent structure of the tuning, particularly the C#-E-G#-D# relationship, makes constructing C#add9 or C#m9 chords intuitive, and this principle can be applied to other roots by shifting shapes across the fretboard.

Accessible Chords & Voicings

• C#m7(add4, add9): Play all six open strings for an immediate, rich, and complex chord.
• E Major: Fret-free E major triad can be played on strings 4, 3, and 2 (B2, E3, G#4).
• Bsus4: Play strings 5, 4, and 3 (F#3, B2, E3) for a Bsus4 voicing.
• Power Chords: Shapes for standard power chords on the lower strings will be transposed down by 1.5 steps (3 semitones), allowing for deep, resonant power chord progressions.
• Add9 & M9 Chords: The inherent structure of the tuning, especially the C#-E-G#-D# relationship, simplifies the formation of various add9 and m9 voicings with minimal finger stretches.

How to Tune

To achieve the C# Deep 9th Tuning, carefully adjust each string as follows:

• String 6 (Lowest String): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• String 5: Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 4: Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3: Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2: Tune down 3 semitones to G#4.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune down 1 semitone to D#5.

Note on String Gauge: The tuning movements for this setup do not exceed 4 semitones up or down for any single string. Therefore, a specialized string gauge is not strictly necessary for these adjustments, but always ensure your guitar's neck relief is stable with any tuning changes.

Open String Notes:

• String 6 (Low E Equivalent): C3#
• String 5 (A Equivalent): F3#
• String 4 (D Equivalent): B2
• String 3 (G Equivalent): E3
• String 2 (B Equivalent): G4#
• String 1 (High E Equivalent): D5#