Open C#madd9 Variant: A Rich Minor Tuning

Verbal Analysis

The Open C#madd9 Variant tuning for guitar offers a deep, resonant minor sound with an intriguing modern extension. When strummed open, this tuning immediately presents a full C# minor chord, enriched by the presence of its 9th. This creates a sophisticated and somewhat melancholic character, perfect for genres ranging from acoustic fingerstyle to atmospheric rock or even jazz-fusion. The arrangement of notes, particularly the multiple C#s and G#s, provides a strong fundamental and fifth, giving the tuning a powerful and sustaining quality. The addition of the D# (the 9th) on the high string adds a lovely sparkle and tension, making it sound more advanced than a simple open minor chord. Players will find that barre chords become incredibly versatile, allowing for instant minor(add9) chords simply by moving one finger up and down the fretboard. This tuning invites exploration of new melodic and harmonic possibilities, making familiar chord shapes sound fresh and inspiring.

Technical Analysis

This Guitar tuning, named Open C#madd9 Variant, sets the open strings to: C#3 G#3 E3 G#4 C#5 D#5 (from low E to high E string). Analysing the intervals relative to the root C#:

• String 6 (C#3): The root note, establishing the key.
• String 5 (G#3): The perfect fifth, providing harmonic stability.
• String 4 (E3): The minor third, defining the minor quality of the chord.
• String 3 (G#4): Another perfect fifth, an octave higher than the 5th string, reinforcing the harmony.
• String 2 (C#5): Another root note, two octaves above the 6th string, adding brightness.
• String 1 (D#5): The major second (or 9th) above the root, adding the characteristic "add9" extension.

The open strings form a clear C# minor triad (C#, E, G#) with an added 9th (D#), making it a C#m(add9) chord. This robust voicing provides a rich harmonic foundation. Common chord shapes can be adapted to this tuning: a single finger barre across all strings at any fret will yield a minor(add9) chord rooted on that fret. For instance, a barre at the 2nd fret would give a D#m(add9) chord. The consistent minor third and perfect fifth intervals allow for easy transposition of minor chord ideas. The wide range from C#3 to D#5 offers a full spectrum of frequencies.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the Open C#madd9 Variant tuning from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these specific string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 1 semitones to G#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 1 semitones to G#4.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 2 semitones to C#5.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 1 semitones to D#5.

Important Note on String Tension: While none of the individual string adjustments in this tuning exceed 4 semitones (up or down), which is a common threshold, always exercise caution when significantly altering string tension. For tunings requiring movements greater than 4 semitones in either direction, considering a different string gauge is advisable to ensure optimal playability and to prevent potential damage to your instrument or strings.

String 6: C#3 (Low E string)
String 5: G#3 (A string)
String 4: E3 (D string)
String 3: G#4 (G string)
String 2: C#5 (B string)
String 1: D#5 (High E string)