Verbal Description

The D Sixth/Ninth Tuning is a rich and harmonically complex open tuning designed for a broad, resonant soundscape. With prominent D notes on the 6th, 4th, and 2nd strings, it establishes a strong foundational drone in D. The addition of a B on the 5th string introduces a major sixth, while the E on the 1st string provides a major ninth (or second), creating an open D6/9 chord when strummed. This tuning offers a bright, sophisticated, and slightly jazzy feel, making it excellent for fingerstyle, atmospheric compositions, or exploring new melodic and harmonic possibilities within a D-centric key. It invites exploration beyond standard chord shapes, encouraging unique voicings and textures.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the guitar strings, from lowest to highest, as D2-B2-D3-A3-D4-E4. Compared to standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, this involves significant alterations to create a specific D-based extended harmony. The intervals relative to the lowest D (6th string) are:

• String 5 (B2): Major 6th
• String 4 (D3): Octave
• String 3 (A3): Perfect 5th
• String 2 (D4): Double Octave
• String 1 (E4): Major 9th (compound major 2nd)

The collective open strings produce a D6/9 chord (D-A-B-E). This makes it a powerful tuning for creating expansive soundscapes and modern harmonic textures.

Open Chords and Accessibility

• Open D6/9: Strumming all open strings yields a full, shimmering D6/9 chord, perfect for immediate harmonic impact.
• D Major Triad: A simple D major chord (D-F#-A) can be easily formed by fretting specific notes or by selectively muting the B and E strings to focus on the D-A-D core. For instance, playing strings 6, 4, 3, 2 (D-D-A-D) gives a strong D5 sound.
• Power Chords: Sliding a single finger across the 6th, 4th, and 2nd strings at any fret will instantly produce a power chord (e.g., 2nd fret for E5, 3rd for F5, etc.), allowing for powerful rock or metal riffs.
• Extended Harmonies: The inherent B and E notes make it easy to incorporate bluesy or jazz-infused voicings. Fretboard exploration can quickly reveal Dsus2, Dsus4, and various D-based modal chords.
• Barre Chords: Standard barre chord shapes will need adjustment due to the unique open string intervals. However, barring across all six strings at a given fret will transpose the open D6/9 chord, creating new extended chords such as E6/9 at the 2nd fret, F6/9 at the 3rd, and so forth. This provides a portable chord framework for different keys.

String Notes Overview

String 6 (Low E): D2
String 5 (A String): B2
String 4 (D String): D3
String 3 (G String): A3
String 2 (B String): D4
String 1 (High E): E4

How to Tune Your Guitar

• String 6 (Low E to D2): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D.
• String 5 (A to B2): Tune up 2 semitones from A to B.
• String 4 (D to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G to A3): Tune up 2 semitones from G to A.
• String 2 (B to D4): Tune up 3 semitones from B to D.
• String 1 (High E to E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Important String Gauge Considerations

When altering string tension significantly, especially beyond 4 semitones up or down, it is generally recommended to consider using a different string gauge to maintain optimal playability and string longevity. For this tuning, most movements are within a safe range, with the largest upward movement being 3 semitones on String 2. While this is generally acceptable, always exercise caution and ensure your guitar's neck relief is properly adjusted for such changes.