Tuning Analysis: Emaj9 Open Chord Tuning

Verbal Description

The Emaj9 Open Chord Tuning (E2 G3# B2 F4# E3 D5#) is a rich and harmonically complex tuning that instantly delivers the lush sound of an E major 9th chord when strummed open. This tuning creates a vibrant and resonant soundscape, perfect for ambient textures, sophisticated fingerstyle arrangements, and expressive melodic lines. The open strings themselves form a complete Emaj9 chord, providing a powerful harmonic foundation that feels both full and sparkling. The presence of the root E on two different octaves (E2 and E3), combined with the high Major 7th (D#) and Major 9th (F#), lends a beautiful tension and release, making it incredibly inspiring for songwriting and improvisation.

Technical Analysis

This tuning directly spells out an Emaj9 chord, featuring the following notes and their relation to the root E:

• 6th String (E2): Root
• 5th String (G3#): Major Third
• 4th String (B2): Perfect Fifth
• 3rd String (F4#): Major Ninth
• 2nd String (E3): Octave Root
• 1st String (D5#): Major Seventh

The arrangement provides a strong low-end foundation with E2 and B2, while the G3#, F4#, E3, and D5# fill out the higher registers with chord tones and extensions. This creates a dense, chordal voicing without needing to fret any notes.

Open and Reachable Chords

• Open Chord: The tuning itself is an Emaj9 chord (E G# B D# F#).
• Barre Chords: By barring all strings at any fret, you can easily achieve other Major 9th chords up the neck (e.g., Fmaj9 at 1st fret, F#maj9 at 2nd fret, Gmaj9 at 3rd fret, etc.).
• Related Chords: Due to the strong E-B foundation and the presence of G#, D#, and F#, various E major family chords are easily accessible with minimal fretting, such as E Major, E Major 7, E Major 6, E add9, and suspended chords. Experiment with removing fingers from barre shapes to find interesting voicings.

How to Tune

To achieve the Emaj9 Open Chord Tuning, begin from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). Follow these adjustments for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E2.
• 5th String (A String in Standard): Tune down 1 semitone from A3 to G3#.
• 4th String (D String in Standard): Tune down 3 semitones from D3 to B2.
• 3rd String (G String in Standard): Tune down 1 semitone from G4 to F4#.
• 2nd String (B String in Standard): Tune down 7 semitones from B3 to E3. Caution: This is a significant drop. Consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and tension to maintain playability and intonation.
• 1st String (High E String in Standard): Tune down 1 semitone from E4 to D5#.

Important Note: Tuning strings significantly up or down (generally more than 4 semitones) may require a different string gauge to maintain proper tension and intonation. Always tune carefully and check your guitar's neck relief to prevent damage.

6th String (Low E): Tuned to E2 (Root note)

5th String (A String in Standard): Tuned to G3# (Major Third)

4th String (D String in Standard): Tuned to B2 (Perfect Fifth)

3rd String (G String in Standard): Tuned to F4# (Major Ninth)

2nd String (B String in Standard): Tuned to E3 (Octave Root)

1st String (High E String in Standard): Tuned to D5# (Major Seventh)