This unique tuning, named "Em9", offers a rich, resonant soundscape, described by its creator as a "cool tuning i made up. have fun." It's an excellent choice for exploring jazz, ambient, or melancholic genres, providing a full E minor 9th chord when played open.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are configured as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): E2 (Root)
• String 5 (A string): B2 (Perfect 5th of E)
• String 4 (D string): D3 (Minor 7th of E)
• String 3 (G string): F#4 (Major 9th / Major 2nd of E)
• String 2 (B string): G3 (Minor 3rd of E)
• String 1 (High E string): D4 (Minor 7th of E, one octave higher than String 4)

The open strings collectively form an E minor 9th chord (E-G-B-D-F#), making it highly resonant for open strumming and fingerstyle. The presence of both the minor 3rd (G) and major 9th (F#) adds complexity and harmonic depth. The two D notes (minor 7th) provide a full, ringing quality across different registers. The tuning's wide intervals, particularly the jump from D3 to F#4, might inspire new chord voicings and lead lines, while the heavily dropped B and high E strings (G3 and D4 respectively) provide a slacker feel for bends and vibrato on those strings. Common chord shapes around E, G, D, Bm may find new voicings or become easier to reach due to the altered intervals.

How to Tune

To achieve the Em9 tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E, normally E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is E2.
• String 5 (A string, normally A2): Tune up 2 semitones. The target note is B2.
• String 4 (D string, normally D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is D3.
• String 3 (G string, normally G3): Tune down 1 semitone. The target note is F#4. (Note: Tuning G3 down 1 semitone would typically result in F#3. The target F#4 note is an octave higher. Please ensure your string can safely reach this octave or consider an alternative string movement if starting from a standard G3 string.)
• String 2 (B string, normally B3): Tune down 4 semitones. The target note is G3. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and tension.
• String 1 (High E, normally E4): Tune down 2 semitones. The target note is D4.

String 6 (Low E): E2

String 5 (A string): B2

String 4 (D string): D3

String 3 (G string): F#4

String 2 (B string): G3

String 1 (High E): D4