This tuning, aptly named "A Major 9th," is an experimental open tuning crafted to provide a rich, complex harmonic foundation. It's built around the sound of an A Major 9th chord, offering a full and resonant texture when played open, ideal for exploring jazz-infused or highly textured soundscapes.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to a unique and widely spaced voicing of an A Major 9th chord (A-C#-E-G#-B), with some notes appearing at different octaves and an unusual string order, creating a broad and expansive sonic landscape. The specific notes, from the 6th (low E) to the 1st (high E) string, are: E2, A2, C#4, G#4, A3, B3.

• The 6th string provides a low E2, serving as the 5th of A or a strong fundamental for other harmonies.
• The 5th string is A2, acting as the root of the chord and providing a strong anchor.
• The 4th string is C#4, a full Major 3rd of A. Notably, this is a significant jump in pitch (a Major 3rd plus an octave, 16 semitones) from the 5th string (A2), contributing to the open and airy feel.
• The 3rd string is G#4, providing the Major 7th of A. It is a perfect fifth above the C#4, maintaining the extended harmony.
• The 2nd string is A3, an octave of the root, reinforcing the fundamental. Interestingly, it is lower in pitch than the 3rd string (G#4), creating an unexpected descending interval (a Major 7th down) that adds character to the voicing.
• The 1st string is B3, the Major 9th of A, further enriching the harmonic texture with a sweet, open quality.

When strummed open, this tuning produces a full and lush A Major 9th chord. The wide intervals between certain strings, and the non-linear pitch progression, give the tuning an expansive, almost piano-like quality. While direct barre chords might require rethinking standard fingerings, the open string voicings themselves provide rich melodic and harmonic possibilities. Experimenting with partial chords, droning open strings, and specific fingerings will unlock the full potential of this unique setup for creative expression.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the "A Major 9th" tuning, begin with your guitar in standard EADGBe tuning (from 6th to 1st string) and carefully follow these instructions for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C#3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 1 semitone to G#3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 5 semitones to A3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial change in tension. If you intend to use this tuning frequently, consider using a lighter gauge string for the 1st string to prevent excessive looseness and maintain optimal tone and playability.

6th String: E2 - The lowest string remains at its standard pitch, providing a solid bass foundation and the 5th of an A chord.

5th String: A2 - This string also stays at its standard pitch, serving as the fundamental root of the open A Major 9th chord.

4th String: C#4 - Tuned significantly higher, this string provides the Major 3rd of A, adding brightness and a wide interval from the lower strings.

3rd String: G#4 - This string is tuned to a high G#, representing the Major 7th of A, contributing to the jazzy, extended chord sound. It forms a perfect fifth interval with the C#4 below it.

2nd String: A3 - Tuned to an A, this string offers an octave of the root, adding body and resonance. Notably, it is lower in pitch than the G#4 on the 3rd string, creating an interesting voice leading.

1st String: B3 - Tuned to a B, this provides the Major 9th of A, further enriching the harmonic texture with a sweet, open quality at the top of the voicing.