The "F#6/9" tuning is an adventurous and highly resonant open tuning designed for an 8-string guitar, perfect for players looking to explore lush, sophisticated soundscapes. As described by its creator, this is an experimental and obscure tuning, crafted to unlock unique harmonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

This remarkable tuning, D#2 A#2 C#3 G#3 C#4 F#4 A#4 D#5, is a masterclass in open harmony. All the open strings collectively form a rich F#6/9 chord, making it incredibly resonant and inspiring for immediate musical exploration.

• The implied root is F#, which appears on the 3rd string (F#4).
• The Major 3rd (A#) is present on the 7th string (A#2) and 2nd string (A#4).
• The Perfect 5th (C#) is found on the 6th string (C#3) and 4th string (C#4).
• The Major 6th (D#) is present on the lowest 8th string (D#2) and the highest 1st string (D#5), giving the chord a unique inverted voicing with the 6th as the bass note.
• The Major 9th (G#) is on the 5th string (G#3).

The spread of notes, ranging from D#2 to D#5, offers a wide harmonic palette with octave doublings of D#, A#, and C#. This creates a full, almost piano-like resonance, making it ideal for fingerstyle arrangements, ambient textures, jazz fusion, or progressive genres where complex harmony is desired. Open string chords are readily available, with the primary F#6/9 ringing out effortlessly. Due to the inherent chord, simple single-finger barres or two-finger shapes can easily yield related voicings or entirely new chord structures.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "F#6/9" tuning, carefully adjust each string according to the following instructions. All movements are relatively modest, so standard string gauges should be suitable, but always exercise caution when adjusting string tension.

• String 8 (Lowest): Tune to D#2 by tuning down 3 semitones.
• String 7: Tune to A#2 by tuning down 1 semitone.
• String 6: Tune to C#3 by tuning down 3 semitones.
• String 5: Tune to G#3 by tuning down 1 semitone.
• String 4: Tune to C#4 by tuning down 1 semitone.
• String 3: Tune to F#4 by tuning down 1 semitone.
• String 2: Tune to A#4 by tuning down 1 semitone.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune to D#5 by tuning down 1 semitone.

Important Note: While all individual string movements in this tuning are within a safe range, generally, tuning a string more than 4 semitones up or down from its standard pitch may require a different gauge string to prevent breakage or poor intonation. Always tune carefully and be mindful of your guitar's tension limits.

String 8: D2#

String 7: A2#

String 6: C3#

String 5: G3#

String 4: C4#

String 3: F4#

String 2: A4#

String 1: D5#