Verbal Description

This "faedce (Dm9)" tuning, as its name suggests, is a rich and evocative open tuning with a distinct minor 9th tonality. Despite its unusual open string sequence, the notes F-A-E-D-C-E immediately create a sophisticated, slightly jazzy, or ambient sound. It's a tuning that invites experimentation with drones and open string voicings, moving away from standard chord shapes to explore resonant, complex harmonies.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning are F2-A2-E3-D3-C4-E4, from the lowest to the highest string. Arranged chromatically (ignoring octaves), the notes present are F, A, C, D, and E. These five notes perfectly form a D minor 9th chord (D-F-A-C-E). With F as the lowest open string, the tuning essentially presents a Dm9 chord in its first inversion (Dm9/F). The presence of two E notes (E3 and E4) provides a lush, ringing quality to the 9th, while the D3 on the 3rd string serves as a clear root of the implied D minor harmony. This arrangement creates a harmonic landscape rich in minor 7th and 9th extensions, making it ideal for fingerstyle, atmospheric music, or even blues with a modern twist.

Open Chords and Possibilities

• Dm9/F Open Chord: The F2-A2-E3-D3-C4-E4 sounds as a complete D minor 9th chord with the F as the bass note, offering a rich, extended minor sound.
• Barred Chords: Moving this open chord shape up the neck by barring across a fret will yield various minor 9th chords. For instance, barring at the 3rd fret would give you an Am9/C.
• Drone Textures: The combination of F, A, D, C, and E allows for interesting melodic lines against a sustained, open Dm9 harmony, making it excellent for drone-based music or modal explorations around D minor or F major.
• Suspended Chords: The E notes are already present as the 9th. Slight adjustments to other notes could easily yield rich suspended harmonies. For example, by raising the C4 (2nd string) to D4, one could explore Dsus4 variations.

How to Tune

This tuning requires careful adjustment from standard E-A-D-G-B-E. Pay close attention to the following string movements, and always use a reliable tuner:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone, from E to F.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 4th String (D): Tune up 2 semitones, from D to E.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones, from G to D.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone, from B to C.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Important String Gauge Note: Tuning a string more than 4 semitones up or down can put excessive tension or looseness on the string, potentially leading to breakage or poor intonation. For the 3rd string (G), which requires a significant tuning down of 5 semitones to D, it is highly recommended to consider using a different, heavier gauge string to ensure optimal playability, maintain proper intonation, and prevent excessive floppiness or buzzing.

6th String (Low E): F2

5th String (A): A2

4th String (D): E3

3rd String (G): D3

2nd String (B): C4

1st String (High E): E4