This unique 5-string tuning, which we'll call "E Augmented Major 9th Open," presents a sophisticated and harmonically rich soundscape far removed from typical open tunings. While the original name "c barre open" was provided, the actual open string notes create a complex and extended E Augmented Major 9th chord, offering a distinctly modern and evocative sonic palette. It's an excellent choice for players exploring jazz, fusion, ambient, or experimental genres, where unusual harmonies and textures are desired.

Verbal Analysis

Stepping away from traditional major or minor tonalities, this tuning immediately provides a full, somewhat dissonant, yet captivating sound when played open. The interplay of augmented and major intervals creates a sense of tension and release, lending itself to rich arpeggios and modal explorations. Imagine lush, slightly ethereal soundscapes or sharp, biting chord voicings that cut through a mix. It’s less about strumming simple chords and more about discovering intricate harmonic relationships and unique melodic lines that emerge naturally from the tuning.

Technical Analysis

• String 5 (Lowest): E2
• String 4: F#3
• String 3: A#3
• String 2: D#4
• String 1 (Highest): G#4

When sounded together, these notes (E, F#, G#, A#, D#) form an E Augmented Major 9th chord (E-G#-A#-D#-F#). This is derived from an E augmented triad (E, G#, A#) extended with a Major 7th (D#) and a Major 9th (F#). The intervals from the lowest E string are: a Major 9th (F#), an Augmented 4th (A#), a Major 7th (D#), and a Major 3rd (G#). This intricate structure provides a wide harmonic range and unique intervallic relationships across the fretboard.

Chords and Playability

The most immediate benefit of this tuning is the open E Augmented Major 9th chord. Barring across the frets allows for instant transposition of this complex chord shape across the neck; for example, barring at the 1st fret yields an F Augmented Major 9th chord, and at the 3rd fret, a G Augmented Major 9th. This makes exploring augmented harmony remarkably accessible. Furthermore, the consistent intervals between certain upper strings (e.g., String 2 to String 1 is a Perfect 4th, D# to G#) can facilitate interesting melodic and arpeggiated patterns, inviting players to discover new voicings and lead lines that are characteristic of modern jazz and advanced improvisation.

Below are the target notes for each string in the E Augmented Major 9th Open tuning:

• String 5: E2
• String 4: F#3
• String 3: A#3
• String 2: D#4
• String 1: G#4

How to Tune

Follow these instructions carefully to achieve the E Augmented Major 9th Open tuning from your current setup. Pay close attention to the direction and number of semitones for each string:

• String 5 (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (F#3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 3 (A#3): Tune down 4 semitones. This is a significant change, and you might consider a different string gauge if you plan to use this tuning frequently.
• String 2 (D#4): Tune down 4 semitones. This is a significant change, and you might consider a different string gauge if you plan to use this tuning frequently.
• String 1 (G#4): Tune down 3 semitones.

Important Note: Tuning a string down by 4 or more semitones can cause a significant reduction in string tension, potentially leading to a "floppy" feel or intonation issues. For tunings involving drops of 4 or more semitones, like String 3 and String 2 in this setup, using a heavier gauge string is often recommended to maintain playability and tone.