Verbal Analysis: The Dissonant Heart

As the creator describes, the Dissonant 9th Tuning was born from experimentation, lowering the E and G strings and observing a uniquely "dissonant" quality. This tuning truly lives up to its name, offering a rich, tense soundscape that immediately stands out from conventional tunings. It's a bold choice for musicians looking to venture beyond traditional harmony, perfect for experimental, ambient, or cinematic sound design, as well as genres that embrace tension and unusual textures.

Technical Analysis: Unpacking the Open Voicing

The open strings are tuned to D2-A2-D3-F3-B3-D4.

• The foundation is a strong D octave on the 6th and 4th strings (D2-D3) with a perfect 5th (A2) in between, providing a solid, resonant base.
• The introduction of F3 on the 3rd string creates a D minor triad (D-F-A) in the lower register.
• However, the critical element for its namesake dissonance arises with the B3 on the 2nd string. This B creates a tritone interval with the F3 (F3 to B3), a highly unstable and dissonant interval that defines much of this tuning's character. It also forms a major 6th with the root D, hinting at a D minor 6 or D Dorian quality, but the tritone between F and B dominates the perception of dissonance.
• The final D4 on the 1st string reinforces the root, providing an octave of the 4th string, but the B3 before it ensures the tension remains.

When strummed open, this tuning produces a complex, ringing chord that is not easily categorized within standard harmonic theory, leaning heavily into a dissonant, open minor 6th sound with an emphasized tritone.

Chords and Playability: Embracing the Tension

Due to the unique intervals, traditional open chords will likely need significant re-voicing or modification.

• Open Chord: The open tuning itself suggests a D minor sonority with an added B and significant tension. It can be used as a dissonant D-based drone or chord.
• Power Chords: The D-A-D arrangement on the lowest three strings makes D power chords (D5) incredibly strong and easily accessible. Moving these shapes up the neck will yield powerful 5th intervals.
• Drones and Riffs: The repeating D notes and the distinct lower D-A-D grouping lend themselves well to droning textures and heavy, low-end riffs, especially when emphasizing the minor third (F) and the tension of the B.
• Exploring Dissonance: The F-B tritone is a powerful tool for creating suspense and unease. Experiment with playing melodies or chords that highlight this interval, or use it as a pivot point for modulation.
• Open String Chords: By fretting only a few strings and letting others ring open, unique and often surprising harmonic clusters can be discovered, playing into the tuning's experimental nature.

How to Tune Your Guitar for Dissonant 9th Tuning

Start with your guitar in standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). Then, adjust your strings as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from A2 to A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from D3 to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones from G3 to F3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3 to B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

All string adjustments are within a safe range for standard guitar string gauges.

6th String (Low E): D2
5th String (A): A2
4th String (D): D3
3rd String (G): F3
2nd String (B): B3
1st String (High E): D4