This unique 7-string Guitar tuning, aptly named 'C#add9', delivers a rich, resonant sound, as described by its initial inspiration from a "Youtube video for mj man in the mirror." It creates a bright and full sonic landscape, with the open strings naturally forming a C#add9 chord, perfect for shimmering arpeggios or powerful, open strumming. The tuning provides a modern, expansive feel often favored in contemporary music, offering a vast harmonic canvas for creative expression. The unison G# strings (strings 3 and 4) offer interesting possibilities for droning and octave playing, adding a unique texture.

Technical Analysis

This is a 7-string guitar tuning with the notes from lowest (String 7) to highest (String 1): C3#, G3#, D4#, G4#, G4#, C5#, F4.

Analyzing the open notes:

• C# (Root)
• G# (Perfect Fifth)
• D# (Major Second/9th relative to C#)
• F (Major Third relative to C#, enharmonically E#)

The collective open strings articulate a C#add9 chord (C# - E# - G# with the D# as the 9th), which perfectly matches the tuning's name. The presence of octaves (C#3 and C#5, G#3 and G#4) and unison (G#4 on strings 3 and 4) creates a dense and harmonically rich foundation. The intervals are largely consonant, providing a strong tonal center around C# major with an added major 9th.

Chords & Harmonic Potential

The open C#add9 chord is the immediate highlight, offering a full and vibrant sound. Due to the spacing of the intervals and the presence of multiple octaves, this tuning lends itself well to:

• Open Chord Voicings: Explore expansive and ringing C#add9 variations with minimal effort.
• Power Chords: C#5, G#5, D#5, and F5 power chords are easily accessible across the neck, providing a strong rhythmic foundation.
• Drones and Sustained Harmonies: The unison G# strings (3rd and 4th) are ideal for creating sustained drones or rich melodic lines where you can fret one G# while letting the other ring.
• Arpeggios: The inherent structure of the C#add9 makes sweeping arpeggios across the strings particularly resonant and full.

How to Tune

This tuning involves significant upward tension changes on several strings. Extreme caution is advised, and it's highly recommended to use a lighter gauge string set, especially for strings tuned up by 4 semitones or more. Refer to your current tuning to apply the specified changes for each string to reach the target note:

• String 7 (Lowest String): Tune to C3#, by tuning up 2 semitones. (This movement is generally manageable but exercise care).
• String 6: Tune to G3#, by tuning up 4 semitones. (This is a significant increase in tension; exercise extreme caution and consider a lighter gauge string).
• String 5: Tune to D4#, by tuning up 6 semitones. (This is a very substantial increase in tension, potentially requiring a much lighter gauge string and careful monitoring of your instrument's neck).
• String 4: Tune to G4#, by tuning up 6 semitones. (Similar to String 5, this is a very substantial increase in tension, requiring extreme caution and likely a lighter gauge string).
• String 3: Tune to G4#, by tuning up 1 semitones. (A minor adjustment, but always tune slowly).
• String 2: Tune to C5#, by tuning up 2 semitones. (Manageable, but still proceed carefully).
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune to F4, by tuning up 1 semitones. (A minor adjustment, but always tune slowly).

Important Safety Note: Tuning strings up by 4 semitones or more (as required for strings 6, 5, and 4 in this tuning) significantly increases string tension and can put undue stress on your guitar's neck, bridge, and tuners. It is strongly advised to consult a luthier or use a significantly lighter gauge string set designed for higher tensions when attempting such large upward tuning changes. Always tune slowly and listen for any signs of strain from your instrument.

String 7: C3#

String 6: G3#

String 5: D4#

String 4: G4#

String 3: G4#

String 2: C5#

String 1: F4