Verbal and Technical Analysis

The 'Sweetened C#Maj9' tuning transforms the guitar into a rich, complex harmonic landscape. As its name suggests, this tuning's open strings form a full C# Major 9th chord (C#, F, G#, C, D#), offering immediate access to a sophisticated, jazzy, and resonant sound. The designer's note of it being "so brittle, little open tuning" hints at its specific sonic character – perhaps bright and cutting, yet with a delicate, intricate quality due to the complex harmonic intervals.

Technically, the tuning is an inversion of C#Maj9, with the lowest note being F2 (the major third of C#). This creates a full, wide-voiced chord when strummed open, allowing for immediate harmonic interest without fretting. The presence of the Major 7th (C natural, or B#) and Major 9th (D#) adds significant depth and color, moving beyond simple triads into advanced harmonic territory.

Open Chords and Voicings

The most prominent feature is the open C#Maj9 chord (F2-G3#-C4#-G4#-C4-D5#). This provides a rich harmonic foundation. Because of the close interval relationships, moving a single finger can often yield interesting extensions or altered chords. For instance, small shifts up or down the fretboard with a bar can quickly produce other Major 9th voicings, or by modifying one or two strings, one could explore related dominant 7#9 or even diminished sounds. The unique arrangement of notes across the strings may also facilitate interesting arpeggiated patterns or lead lines that naturally follow the chord's internal structure.

How to Tune

To achieve the Sweetened C#Maj9 tuning, approach each string carefully with a digital tuner. Remember to tune gently, especially when increasing string tension. Here are the specific adjustments for each string:

• String 6 (Lowest String): Tune up 1 semitones to F2.
• String 5 (A String): Tune down 1 semitones to G3#.
• String 4 (D String): Tune down 1 semitones to C4#.
• String 3 (G String): Tune up 1 semitones to G4#.
• String 2 (B String): Tune up 1 semitones to C4.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune down 1 semitones to D5#.

Important Note on String Gauge: The string movements for this tuning are all within +/- 1 semitone. These are relatively minor adjustments that typically do not require a change in string gauge. However, always exercise caution and check string tension to ensure your guitar's safety and optimal playability, especially if your guitar is particularly sensitive to tension changes.

String 6: F2
String 5: G3#
String 4: C4#
String 3: G4#
String 2: C4
String 1: D5#