True to its evocative name, this 'D#6/9 for a lazy Saturday' tuning invites a relaxed and contemplative playing experience. Inspired by a leisurely day, this tuning transforms your 8-string guitar into a warm, resonant soundscape, perfect for introspective riffs and smooth, jazz-inflected melodies.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is remarkably structured around an open D#6/9 chord (enharmonically Eb6/9). The open strings collectively ring out the notes: F1, G2, A#2 (B♭2), C3, D#3 (Eb3), F3, A#4 (B♭4), D#5 (Eb5). These notes form a rich, pre-voiced Eb Major 6/9 chord (Eb G B♭ C F), providing a lush harmonic foundation without fretting. All strings are tuned down from a standard F# standard 8-string tuning, which contributes to a slacker string feel and a warmer, perhaps darker, overall tonal quality. The deepest note, F1, anchors the tuning with a profound bass presence.

The intervals between adjacent strings offer a mix of common and unique voicings, creating a broad harmonic palette:

• String 8 (F1) to String 7 (A#2): A wide interval spanning an octave and a tritone (augmented 4th). This large jump contributes to the tuning's unique harmonic spread.
• String 7 (A#2) to String 6 (D#3): A perfect 4th.
• String 6 (D#3) to String 5 (G2): A significant drop, moving down 8 semitones from D#3 to G2, forming a descending Major 6th interval. This creates a deep, resonant quality and allows for strong bass emphasis on the lower G string, creating an interesting contrast with the higher D#3.
• String 5 (G2) to String 4 (C3): A perfect 4th.
• String 4 (C3) to String 3 (F3): A perfect 4th.
• String 3 (F3) to String 2 (A#4): Another wide interval, an octave and a tritone (augmented 4th), echoing the lower string pair and creating expansive harmonic possibilities.
• String 2 (A#4) to String 1 (D#5): A perfect 4th.

The prevalence of perfect 4ths across the upper strings makes barre chords and movable shapes based on fourths very accessible. The open D#6/9 chord itself can be easily exploited, allowing for lush arpeggios or sustained drone parts. The significant octave drops (S6-S5 and S3-S2) provide opportunities for interesting polyphonic textures and bass lines against higher melodic phrases. This tuning is excellent for exploring jazz, fusion, or any genre that benefits from rich, pre-voiced harmonic structures and a relaxed, full sound. Its consistent downward shift also means a slightly lower string tension, which can make bending and legato playing feel effortless.

Open String Notes

String 8: F1

String 7: A#2 (B♭2)

String 6: D#3 (Eb3)

String 5: G2

String 4: C3

String 3: F3

String 2: A#4 (B♭4)

String 1: D#5 (Eb5)

How to Tune (from F# Standard 8-string tuning: F#1 B2 E3 A2 D3 G3 B4 E5)

To achieve the 'D#6/9 for a lazy Saturday' tuning, you will adjust each string as follows. Please note that all movements are moderate (1-2 semitones down). While these changes are generally safe for standard string gauges, always exercise caution when altering string tension significantly. For movements greater than 4 semitones (up or down) from your guitar's intended standard, considering a different string gauge is often advised to maintain optimal playability and intonation.

• String 8 (F#1 to F1): Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 7 (B2 to A#2): Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 6 (E3 to D#3): Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 5 (A2 to G2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D3 to C3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G3 to F3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 2 (B4 to A#4): Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 1 (E5 to D#5): Tune down 1 semitone.