Tuning Analysis: Voodoo Chord Tuning

This captivating tuning, building on the spirit of the 'Open Hendrix' concept, is specifically designed to effortlessly deliver a full E Dominant 7#9 Chord in its open position. As described in its original intent, it offers a versatile blend of 'major in the bass and minor in the treble,' providing a rich, bluesy, and slightly dissonant sonic palette perfect for funk, blues-rock, and psychedelic explorations.

Technical Breakdown: The E7#9 Chord

The open strings of this tuning lay out the following notes:

• 6th String (Low E): E2 (Root)
• 5th String (A): G#3 (Major Third)
• 4th String (D): D3 (Minor Seventh)
• 3rd String (G): G3 (Augmented Ninth / Minor Third above the octave)
• 2nd String (B): B3 (Perfect Fifth)
• 1st String (High E): E4 (Octave)

When strummed open, these notes combine to form a complete E Dominant 7#9 chord. The presence of both G# (Major Third) and G (Augmented Ninth, which is enharmonically equivalent to a minor third) creates the distinctive 'Jimi Hendrix chord' sound – a potent blend of major and minor tonalities that gives the chord its characteristic tension and 'voodoo' feel. The D3 (minor seventh) further enhances its dominant quality.

Playability and Chord Shapes

Due to its structure, this tuning makes playing 7#9 chords incredibly simple. By barring a single finger across all strings at any given fret, you can easily transpose the E7#9 chord to other keys (e.g., an A7#9 at the 5th fret, a B7#9 at the 7th fret). This opens up immediate possibilities for rhythm guitar, allowing for complex harmonic movements with minimal effort. Furthermore, the interplay of the D3 and G3 within the E-G#-B framework provides unique voicings for lead lines and fills, encouraging exploration beyond standard pentatonic scales.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the Voodoo Chord Tuning from standard E Standard tuning, follow these adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone. Change from A3 to G#3.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to E4.

Note: Only the 5th string requires adjustment. As the tuning involves a minor adjustment of only 1 semitone down, your current string gauge should be perfectly suitable. Generally, for changes exceeding 4 semitones up or down, a different string gauge is advisable for optimal playability and string tension.

6th String (Low E): E2

5th String (A): G#3

4th String (D): D3

3rd String (G): G3

2nd String (B): B3

1st String (High E): E4