The tuning, named "Emo open C#maj9", is described as a non-traditional midwest emo and screamo open tuning. This implies a soundscape that is often melancholic, dissonant, and full of emotional depth, characteristic of the genres mentioned. The "open" nature means that strumming the open strings will yield a harmonious chord, making it easy to create rich textures and drone-like passages.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets up the open strings to form a C#maj9 chord, which consists of the notes C#, E#, G#, B#, and D#. Analyzing the open string notes provided (C#3, G#3, D#4, F3, G#4, C4):

• Low C# (6th string): This is the root of the C#maj9 chord.
• Mid G# (5th string): The perfect fifth, providing harmonic stability.
• High D# (4th string): The major ninth, adding a rich, extended harmony.
• Mid F (3rd string): Functioning as E#, this is the major third, giving the chord its major quality.
• Higher G# (2nd string): Another perfect fifth, further reinforcing the harmony.
• High C (1st string): Functioning as B#, this is the major seventh, providing the 'maj7' quality and a sense of complexity or tension.

The open C#maj9 chord itself offers a sophisticated, somewhat jazzy or ethereal sound, atypical for traditional emo, but fitting for its "non-traditional" description. The interval structure of the tuning (C# G# D# F G# C) creates unique fingering possibilities. The presence of two G#s (5th and 2nd strings) and an Octave + 3 semitone jump from 6th to 5th (C# to G#) allows for ringing harmonies. Simple barre shapes across the fretboard will instantly produce parallel C#maj9 voicings or related chords. Furthermore, the close proximity of the 3rd and 1st strings (F3 to C4, or E# to B#) could facilitate interesting melodic and harmonic clusters with minimal hand movement.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Emo open C#maj9" tuning, start with your guitar in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e) and follow these precise string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune the Low E string down 3 semitones to C#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune the A string down 1 semitone to G#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune the D string up 1 semitone to D#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune the G string down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (B): Tune the B string down 3 semitones to G#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune the High E string down 4 semitones to C4. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; consider using a different gauge string for optimal tone and tension.

The open strings in this tuning are set as follows:

String 6: C3#
String 5: G3#
String 4: D4#
String 3: F3
String 2: G4#
String 1: C4