The F#add9 tuning for Guitar is a uniquely crafted open tuning, described by its creator as a "hybrid of a double drop tuning." This reflects its unconventional approach to lowering multiple strings significantly from standard EADGBe.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning offers a deep, resonant, and harmonically rich soundscape. With all strings tuned down, the overall pitch of the instrument is lowered, giving it a heavier and perhaps darker character compared to standard tuning. The open strings C#3, G#3, A#3, F#4, A#4, C#5 collectively form a beautiful F#add9 chord, which means a simple strum will immediately yield a full and lush harmony. This makes it incredibly accessible for creating rich, open-voiced textures, perfect for ambient, folk, or experimental genres where ringing drones and sustained chords are desired. The repeated A# and C# notes across different octaves create a natural resonance and harmonic fullness.

Technical Analysis

From a technical standpoint, the open notes are C#3 (6th string), G#3 (5th string), A#3 (4th string), F#4 (3rd string), A#4 (2nd string), and C#5 (1st string). When analyzed against an F# root, these notes represent:

• 6th String (C#3): Perfect 5th below F#4
• 5th String (G#3): Major 9th (an octave below the higher G#)
• 4th String (A#3): Major 3rd below F#4
• 3rd String (F#4): Root
• 2nd String (A#4): Major 3rd
• 1st String (C#5): Perfect 5th

The significant drops on the 6th string (E to C#, -3 semitones) and 4th string (D to A#, -4 semitones) contribute to its distinctive "double drop" feel, extending the instrument's lower register. The overall structure of the tuning, being an open F#add9, means that moving a single barre across the fretboard will instantly transpose this rich chord to any desired key, making chordal playing incredibly intuitive and expansive. Fingerstyle players will find new voicings and drone possibilities, while strumming creates a wall of sound.

Open String Notes

Here are the notes for each string in the F#add9 tuning:

• 6th String (Low E): C#3
• 5th String (A): G#3
• 4th String (D): A#3
• 3rd String (G): F#4
• 2nd String (B): A#4
• 1st String (High E): C#5

How to Tune to F#add9

To achieve the F#add9 tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps. Please use a reliable tuner and adjust carefully.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones from E3 to C#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone from A3 to G#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 4 semitones from D4 to A#3. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone from G4 to F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone from B4 to A#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 3 semitones from E5 to C#5.