This tuning, aptly named "B minor 9 Tuning", was crafted with the intention of exploring different keys and leveraging drop tuning concepts, as described by its creator. It presents a rich and complex sonic landscape, primarily achieved through significant detuning of most strings, offering a deep and resonant foundation.

Verbal Analysis

Upon first strum, one can anticipate a deeply resonant and expansive sound. The prevalent drop tuning across most strings, particularly the low D2, A2, and F#3, suggests a heavy, almost atmospheric quality, ideal for powerful riffs, drone textures, or spacious chord voicings. The presence of F# in two different octaves (F#3 and F#4) and the high C#5 hints at shimmering overtones and melodic possibilities on the higher end, contrasting with the profound bass.

The open strings themselves form a complex chord, containing all the notes of a B minor 9 chord (B, D, F#, A, C#), with an emphasized D as the lowest note and a doubled F#. This provides an immediate harmonic richness, inviting fingerstyle exploration or open-string arpeggios that resonate with a melancholic yet sophisticated character. The lowest three strings (D2, F#3, A2) immediately offer an open D Major triad, providing a strong harmonic anchor.

Technical Analysis

The tuning for this Guitar is set to: D2 F#3 A2 F#4 B3 C#5. Analyzing the intervals from the lowest string (D2) and relative to the named B minor 9 chord:

• String 6 (D2): The fundamental low note, acting as the minor 3rd of B, or a powerful root if treating the open chord as a D-based harmony.
• String 5 (F#3): The perfect 5th of B, and a Major 3rd above the low D2.
• String 4 (A2): The minor 7th of B, and a perfect 5th above the low D2. This creates an open D Major triad (D-F#-A) on the lowest three strings.
• String 3 (F#4): An octave higher than String 5's F#3, reinforcing the perfect 5th of B and adding harmonic density.
• String 2 (B3): The root of the B minor 9 chord, a Major 6th above the low D2.
• String 1 (C#5): The Major 9th relative to the B3 root, and a Major 7th above the low D2, completing the B minor 9 sonority.

The tuning effectively lays out the notes B, D, F#, A, C# across its strings, making the B minor 9 chord readily available as an open voicing (albeit with D as the lowest note, giving it an inverted feel or a D-major-rooted sound). The significant detuning, particularly on String 4 (-5 semitones) and String 5 (-3 semitones), shifts the guitar's tonal center downwards, enhancing resonance and potentially requiring a lighter touch for clarity or a heavier gauge string for optimal tension. The single string that remains at standard pitch (String 2, B3) acts as a familiar anchor point.

Due to the altered intervals between strings, standard chord shapes will need significant adjustment. However, this also opens up unique melodic and harmonic possibilities, allowing for easy access to wide intervallic leaps and drone effects. Open chords like D Major, F# minor, and of course, B minor 9 will find natural and full voicings across the open strings and with minimal fretting, encouraging new melodic and chordal approaches.

How to Tune

To achieve the "B minor 9 Tuning" from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these string movements. Please use a reliable tuner for accuracy:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A String): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 4 (D String): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. (Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A lighter gauge string may lose tension, and a heavier gauge might be advisable for optimal feel and tone.)
• String 3 (G String): Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• String 2 (B String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at B3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.

Here are the target notes for each string in "B minor 9 Tuning":

• String 6: D2 (Low D)
• String 5: F#3 (F sharp)
• String 4: A2 (A)
• String 3: F#4 (F sharp)
• String 2: B3 (B)
• String 1: C#5 (High C sharp)