Tuning Analysis: Open D6sus(9) Triadic Tuning

This analysis focuses on the Open D6sus(9) Triadic Tuning for a 7-string guitar, designed to unlock a rich, expansive soundscape.

Verbal Description

This unique tuning for a 7-string guitar bathes your instrument in a deep, resonant Open D sonority, but with a sophisticated harmonic character. The '6sus(9)' in its name accurately hints at a sound that is both suspended and extended, offering a versatile palette for creative expression. You'll find this tuning creates a lush, full-bodied open chord, ideal for ambient textures, intricate fingerpicking, and expressive slide guitar. The inherent suspended quality encourages modal playing and drone-based compositions, where the sustained open strings can provide a captivating backdrop. It feels expansive and harmonically interesting, moving beyond a simple major or minor feel to offer a rich, slightly ethereal quality that is highly evocative. Its triadic foundation in D ensures a strong tonal center, while the added extensions provide warmth and complexity.

Technical Analysis

The Open D6sus(9) Triadic Tuning sets the open strings of your 7-string guitar to the following notes, from lowest to highest: D2 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 D4. This arrangement reveals a fascinating harmonic structure when analyzed relative to the root note, D:

• String 7 (D2): The fundamental Root (D).
• String 6 (E2): A Major 2nd or Major 9th (E) above the root, adding harmonic extension.
• String 5 (A2): The Perfect 5th (A), providing stability and a strong harmonic anchor.
• String 4 (D3): An octave higher Root (D), reinforcing the tonal center.
• String 3 (G3): A Perfect 4th or Perfect 11th (G) above the root, creating the 'sus' (suspended) quality with the A.
• String 2 (B3): A Major 6th (B), contributing to the '6' in the tuning name and adding a bright, lyrical color.
• String 1 (D4): The highest Root (D), completing the chord across multiple octaves.

Collectively, the open strings form a rich Dmaj7sus4(add6)(add9) chord, precisely what the tuning's name, D6sus(9), indicates. The prominent presence of D notes (D2, D3, D4) ensures a strong D tonality, while the A (5th) further grounds the sound. The E (9th), G (sus4), and B (6th) introduce complex, shimmering overtones that give the tuning its distinct character. This tuning is particularly well-suited for creating lush open chord voicings, and its structure makes many barre chord shapes accessible while maintaining the suspended and extended qualities. For example, moving a single finger or barre up the fretboard will instantly transform the open D6sus(9) into other suspended and extended chords, offering a fresh perspective on common chord progressions. The original tuning description notes: "This is Open D6sus(9) Tuning For Standard Guitar in a Triadic Form... D E A D G B D - D6sus(9)", which accurately reflects the final string configuration and its harmonic intent.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open D6sus(9) Triadic Tuning

To achieve the Open D6sus(9) Triadic Tuning, you will adjust your strings from a standard 7-string tuning (B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4) as follows. Please take care when tuning, especially with significant changes in pitch.

• String 7 (Lowest String - B1): Tune up 3 semitones from B1 to D2.
• String 6 (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Remains E2.
• String 5 (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Remains A2.
• String 4 (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Remains D3.
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Remains G3.
• String 2 (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Remains B3.
• String 1 (Highest String - E4): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Important Note: The tuning adjustments for this specific setup are relatively minor. The largest change is tuning up 3 semitones on the lowest string, and down 2 semitones on the highest. As these movements are within the typical +/- 4 semitone range, you generally won't need to consider a different string gauge for most standard string sets. However, always exercise caution when tuning, especially when increasing pitch, to avoid string breakage.