The Open Emadd9 tuning, as its name suggests, creates an E minor chord with an added 9th (F#) when played open. This particular voicing is described as "very dissonant, very nice" and "works well when playing in E minor," offering a distinct character for compositions in this key.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to E2-B2-F4#-G3-B3-E4. When analyzed from the root E, these notes present:

• E (Root): Provided by String 6 (E2) and String 1 (E4). This solidifies the tonal center.
• G (Minor Third): From String 3 (G3). This establishes the minor quality of the chord.
• B (Perfect Fifth): From String 5 (B2) and String 2 (B3). These reinforce the E minor triad.
• F# (Major Ninth/Second): From String 4 (F4#). This is the "add9" component. The significant jump in octave for F4# relative to the lower strings (E2, B2, G3) is noteworthy. This high F# introduces a bright, cutting dissonance, providing tension and a modern, often jazzy or ethereal quality to the open chord. This specific voicing gives the tuning its unique "dissonant, very nice" character.

Chordal & Playing Opportunities:

With the open strings forming an Em(add9) chord, this tuning immediately provides a rich harmonic canvas. It's excellent for:

• Drone Textures: The multiple E's and B's create a strong, resonant drone in E minor.
• Modal Playing: Ideal for explorations in E minor or E Dorian modes, where the F# fits perfectly.
• Melodic Opportunities: The distinct voicing, especially the high F4#, can inspire unique melodic lines that weave through the open chord.
• Easy Barre Chords: Moving this open chord shape up and down the neck with a barre will instantly yield other minor(add9) chords, though some adjustments might be needed for the high F#. For example, a barre at the 2nd fret would yield F#m(add9).
• Unique Voicings: The wide interval between the 5th string (B2) and 4th string (F4#) allows for interesting arpeggios and voicings that are difficult to achieve in standard tuning.

This tuning is well-suited for ambient, cinematic, progressive, or even folk styles looking for a richer, more complex minor sound.

Open String Notes:

• String 6 (Low E): E2
• String 5 (A): B2
• String 4 (D): F4#
• String 3 (G): G3
• String 2 (B): B3
• String 1 (High E): E4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe):

• String 6 (E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is E2.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 2 semitones to B. The target note is B2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 4 semitones. The target note is F4#. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant change. If this tuning will be used frequently, consider using a lighter gauge string for the 4th string, as tuning up 4 semitones (especially to F4# which is very high for a typical D string) can put considerable tension on the string and potentially the neck.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is G3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is E4.