Verbal Analysis

This tuning, aptly named G6add9, lives up to its description as an "Open modal tuning, good for reducing tension on the neck." All strings are significantly tuned down from standard EADGBe, creating a distinctly lower, richer, and more resonant sound profile. When strummed open, the strings produce a harmonious and full-bodied G6/9 chord, making it instantly gratifying for open-string accompaniment. This rich, open voicing is perfect for genres like folk, blues, or any style benefiting from a deep, chordal foundation. The reduced string tension also makes the guitar feel 'looser,' facilitating easier bends and vibrato, encouraging a more expressive and relaxed playing style. This tuning is particularly inviting for slide guitar or for exploring modal improvisation over its inherent harmonic structure.

Technical Analysis

The G6add9 tuning features the notes D2-G2-B2-E3-A3-D4, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string. This configuration results in an open G6/9 chord when all strings are strummed, anchored by a low D pedal tone. The notes G, B, D, E, and A are all present within the open strings, forming a G major triad (G-B-D) extended with its major 6th (E) and major 9th (A). The lowest D (D2) serves as a robust bass foundation, grounding the entire chord. The intervallic relationships, considering D2 as the root, are: Root (D2), Perfect 4th (G2), Major 6th (B2), Major 9th (E3), Perfect 5th (A3), and Octave (D4). This structure provides a versatile framework for both melodic and harmonic exploration. The substantial detuning, with all strings dropped by 2 or 3 semitones from standard, significantly lowers string tension, potentially enhancing string life and reducing strain on the instrument's neck.

Possible Open Chords and Accessible Shapes

• G6/9: The most prominent open chord, produced by strumming all strings (D-G-B-E-A-D). This forms a rich and complete G6/9 chord, ideal for creating a full, resonant backdrop.
• G Major: By focusing on strings 5, 4, and 6 (G-B-D), you can easily outline a G major triad with a strong D bass. Omitting the lowest D and playing G-B-E-A-D (strings 5-1) still yields a powerful G6/9, often cleaner without the deep D bass.
• E Minor: The notes G, B, and E (strings 5, 4, 3 respectively) naturally form an E minor triad, offering an easily accessible minor tonality within the open tuning.
• D Power Chord (D5): The lowest (D2), second highest (A3), and highest (D4) strings combine to form a strong D5 power chord (D-A-D), providing a fundamental root-fifth sound.
• Barre Chords: The consistent intervallic pattern across the open strings means that barring all strings at any given fret will transpose the G6/9 shape, allowing you to move through different keys easily while maintaining the full, rich voicings unique to this tuning.

How to Tune from Standard E-A-D-G-B-E

To achieve the G6add9 tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, you will tune all strings down. Since all movements are within the safe range of 4 semitones, your current string gauge should be suitable for this tuning without requiring an immediate change.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones from D3 to B2.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G3 to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

String 6: D2 (The lowest note in the tuning, providing a deep, resonant bass).

String 5: G2 (A perfect fourth above the 6th string, serving as the root of the open G chord).

String 4: B2 (A major third above the 5th string G, completing the G major triad).

String 3: E3 (A major third above the 4th string B, or a major sixth above the 5th string G).

String 2: A3 (A perfect fifth above the 6th string D, and a perfect fourth above the 3rd string E).

String 1: D4 (An octave above the 6th string D, and a perfect fourth above the 2nd string A).