Verbal & Technical Analysis: Open Amaj9

The "Open Amaj9" tuning is crafted for a rich, expansive sonic palette, as described by its creator for "pretty midwest emo type stuff." This aligns perfectly with the genre's characteristic use of open, ringing chords, often featuring extended harmonies and suspended qualities.

Technically, the open string notes are D2 - A2 - E3 - G4# - B3 - E4 (from the lowest string to the highest). When strummed open, this tuning forms a complex A Major 9th chord with a D in the bass (Amaj9/D). Let's break down the intervals relative to A (the assumed root of the Amaj9 chord):

• String 6 (D2): This note is a perfect 4th below A, providing a deep, resonant bass foundation. This D in the bass creates an Amaj9/D chord, or can be perceived as a Dmaj13(#11) if D is considered the root. It lends a distinct Lydian flavor to the overall sound.
• String 5 (A2): This is the root of the A Major 9th chord, anchoring the tuning.
• String 4 (E3): The perfect 5th of A, adding harmonic stability and body to the chord.
• String 3 (G4#): This is the major 7th of A. Notably, it's placed an octave higher than the G#3 typically found in standard chord voicings, creating a bright, shimmering, and exceptionally open quality. This high voicing contributes significantly to the tuning's unique 'emo' aesthetic.
• String 2 (B3): The major 9th (a compound major 2nd) of A, introducing a sophisticated, open, and extended harmonic color.
• String 1 (E4): Another perfect 5th, reinforcing the harmony and offering a high, ringing drone that can be used melodically or as part of open voicings.

This tuning is exceptionally well-suited for creating lush, harmonically dense soundscapes. The unique arrangement of notes, particularly the D bass and the elevated G4# on the third string, encourages innovative melodic lines and chordal voicings that are not easily accessible in standard tuning. Barre chords will yield fascinating extended qualities, and partial chords utilizing the open strings will sound remarkably full and resonant. The open Amaj9/D chord provides an excellent foundation for exploring inversions and related voicings by simply fretting a few notes on top of the ringing open strings.

How to Tune:

To achieve the Open Amaj9 tuning from standard EADGBe (low to high), follow these specific string adjustments:

• String 6 (D2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 5 (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (E3): Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G4#): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 2 (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Important Note on String Tension: When making adjustments, especially when significantly changing string pitch, always proceed with caution. Tuning up or down more than 4 semitones from standard pitch can place undue stress on your strings or guitar neck. For optimal performance and to prevent potential damage, a different string gauge may be advised for any strings requiring such extreme changes.

String 6: D2

String 5: A2

String 4: E3

String 3: G4#

String 2: B3

String 1: E4