Lustronatury's Open C#m9 is a deeply resonant and harmonically rich tuning that transforms the guitar into a tapestry of complex chords and open voicings. As its name suggests, when played open, the strings resolve into a magnificent C# minor 9th chord, creating an immediate sense of mood and depth. The original creator @0xlustronatury on Twitter notes its interesting sound and "easier access to the fifth if you play it in B major," hinting at its versatility within specific harmonic contexts.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning is E1 B1 G#3 B3 C#5 D#5. Analyzed as a C# minor 9th chord (C#-E-G#-B-D#), it features a unique inversion with the minor third (E1) as the lowest note, followed by the minor seventh (B1) and fifth (G#3). The chord is then completed with an octave of the minor seventh (B3), the root (C#5), and the ninth (D#5). This creates a wide, open voicing that provides a full, shimmering sound with significant harmonic tension and release potential. The lowest E1 and B1 provide a solid, droning foundation, while the upper strings add clarity and sparkle.

The close interval between the top two strings (C#5 and D#5 - a whole step apart) can facilitate interesting melodic and harmonic possibilities, including quick hammer-ons/pull-offs or subtle bends to introduce extensions like an 11th (E). The overall open chord structure makes it ideal for ambient textures, fingerstyle arrangements, or creating expansive soundscapes. The creator's note about "easier access to the fifth in B major" is particularly insightful; C# minor 9th functions as the ii9 chord in B Major, suggesting this tuning naturally supports modes and progressions within that key, or even B minor where C#dim7 is common.

Open Chords and Possibilities:

• Open C#m9: Strumming all strings open yields a beautiful and full C# minor 9th chord (E1 B1 G#3 B3 C#5 D#5). This is your primary open chord.
• Inversions and Voicings: By selectively muting strings or using simple one-finger barres, you can easily find various inversions of C# minor and related chords. For instance, playing the top five strings open (excluding E1) gives a Bmaj7#11 or a C#m7 with an added B (B1 G#3 B3 C#5 D#5).
• Droning Textures: The low E1 and B1 strings are perfect for creating sustained drones, allowing melodic lines or chord fragments to be played over them on the higher strings.
• Melodic Movement: The close proximity of the top strings (C#5, D#5) invites melodic interplay, while the wider intervals in the lower strings provide harmonic breadth.

How to Tune to Lustronatury's Open C#m9:

Please exercise caution when adjusting string tension, especially for large pitch changes. Tuning significantly up or down can affect string tension, intonation, and in extreme cases, the guitar's neck. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different gauge string is highly recommended to maintain optimal playability and string life.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 12 semitones to E1. This is a full octave down from standard E2. A much heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this drastic change.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 10 semitones to B1. This is nearly an entire octave down from standard A2. A much heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this significant drop.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 6 semitones to G#3. This is a tritone (half-octave) down from standard D3. A heavier gauge string is advised to prevent excessive floppiness.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 4 semitones to B3. This is a major third up from standard G3. A heavier gauge string is advised for this increase in tension.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 2 semitones to C#5. This is a whole step up from standard B3. This change is generally manageable, but be mindful of string tension.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#5. This is a minor second down from standard E4. This is a common and safe adjustment.

String 6 (Low E): Tuned to E1

String 5 (A): Tuned to B1

String 4 (D): Tuned to G#3

String 3 (G): Tuned to B3

String 2 (B): Tuned to C#5

String 1 (High E): Tuned to D#5