The Kinsella Open Tuning is a rich and expressive configuration for the guitar, specifically designed to resonate with a lush D Major 9th chord when played open. This tuning, referenced with the descriptor "kinsella!", offers a vibrant sonic palette that lends itself beautifully to intricate fingerstyle passages, ambient soundscapes, and compositions seeking a full, harmonically sophisticated foundation. Its wide tonal range, from the deep D2 to the shimmering C5#, ensures a captivating and versatile playing experience.

Technical Analysis

• Open Chord: The open strings collectively form a D Major 9th chord (D-A-D-E-A-C#), providing an immediate, full-bodied harmony without fretting. This makes it an excellent choice for droning notes and open-string melodic work.
• Voicing & Intervals: The low D-A-D foundation provides a strong bass and root, while the E (Major 2nd/9th), A (Perfect 5th), and C# (Major 7th) on the higher strings create a bright, extended harmonic cluster. This voicing offers both warmth and clarity.
• Chordal Possibilities: Barring across any fret will immediately transpose the Dmaj9 shape, allowing for easy access to other major 9th chords. The inherent open D and A notes provide excellent drone opportunities for modal playing. Basic power chords are readily available on the lower three strings. More complex voicings can be explored by leveraging the unique intervals between adjacent strings, such as the major 2nd interval between the 4th (D) and 3rd (E) strings, or the major 3rd interval between the 2nd (A) and 1st (C#) strings.

How to Tune

To achieve the Kinsella Open Tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C5#.

All string adjustments are within a safe range for standard gauge strings. Always ensure your guitar's intonation is checked after significant tuning changes.

String 6: D2
String 5: A2
String 4: D3
String 3: E3
String 2: A3
String 1: C5#