The Dmaj9 tuning is a rich and expressive open tuning, described by its creator as being 'Like FACGAE but in D'. This comparison immediately suggests a tuning designed for resonant open chords and potentially melodic bass lines, common in many folk and contemporary acoustic styles. The recommendation to 'Use a baritone with 0.14 - 0.57' gauge strings is crucial, indicating the significant drop in pitch and the need for adequate string tension to maintain playability and intonation.

Technical Analysis & Chords

This tuning is technically a D Major 9th chord voiced across the open strings: D2, F#3, A2, E3, F#4, C#5. Breaking down the intervals from the root D (on the 6th string):

• String 6 (D2): Root
• String 5 (F#3): Major 3rd
• String 4 (A2): Perfect 5th
• String 3 (E3): Major 9th (Major 2nd an octave up)
• String 2 (F#4): Major 3rd (an octave up)
• String 1 (C#5): Major 7th

The open strings collectively form a beautiful Dmaj9 chord (D-F#-A-C#-E). This makes it exceptionally suited for lush, ambient soundscapes, jazz-inflected melodies, or any style where a rich harmonic foundation is desired. The unique voicing, particularly the A2 on string 4 being lower than the F#3 on string 5, creates interesting internal harmonies and allows for unique chord voicings. By simply barring all strings at any fret, you can instantly create a Major 9th chord (e.g., 2nd fret yields Emaj9, 3rd fret Fmaj9). This makes shifting chord progressions with a consistent harmonic quality very intuitive. While major chords are easily accessible, minor or dominant chords might require more creative fingerings but offer unique voicings due to the open string structure.

How to Tune

This tuning involves significant downward adjustments for most strings, underscoring the necessity of the recommended baritone setup. Always tune slowly and carefully to avoid string breakage or damage to your instrument. If your guitar is not a baritone, or you are not using heavier gauge strings, be cautious, especially with the strings tuned down 5 semitones, as they may become too loose for standard playability or intonation.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant drop; heavier gauge strings are strongly advised to maintain tension and avoid intonation issues.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 5 semitones to F#4. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant drop; heavier gauge strings are strongly advised to maintain tension and avoid intonation issues.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.