Tuning Analysis: Open Em9

The 'Open Em9' tuning for Guitar transforms the standard E-A-D-G-B-E setup into a unique sonic landscape: F#3-B2-D3-G3-B3-E4. As its name suggests and the provided description highlights, this tuning is designed to facilitate the creation of rich minor and extended chords, particularly Em9, with remarkable ease. It often requires very few shapes and makes barre chords highly effective.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning offers a distinct harmonic flavor, immediately evoking a sense of minor extended harmony. The open strings collectively contain all the notes of an E minor ninth chord (E, G, B, D, F#), making it truly an 'Open Em9'. With F# as the lowest string, it presents an interesting inversion where the 9th is in the bass, providing a lush, sophisticated voicing right from the open position. This configuration can serve as a strong dominant or offer a Lydian-esque foundation when played in the context of E minor.

The arrangement of notes across the fretboard simplifies complex voicings, living up to the promise of "very few shapes necessary." The intervals between strings (F#-B a Perfect 4th, B-D a minor 3rd, D-G a Perfect 4th, G-B a Major 3rd, B-E a Perfect 4th) create a structure that is particularly conducive to barre chords. This means that once a shape is learned, it can be easily transposed by sliding it up and down the neck to access various minor 9th variations. For instance, barring all strings at the 0th fret (open) naturally provides an Em9 voicing. Shifting this barre to the 3rd fret would yield a Gm9 (G-C-Eb-A-C-F), and to the 5th fret, an Am9 (A-D-F-B-D-G). The presence of two B notes (on the 5th and 2nd strings) adds a harmonic richness, reinforcing the root or fifth in many chord voicings. This tuning's overall feel is one of depth and modern sophistication, making it ideal for genres such as jazz, fusion, or ambient music where intricate harmony is desired without excessive finger gymnastics.

Technical Analysis

• Open Notes: F#3, B2, D3, G3, B3, E4 (from lowest to highest string).
• Root Chord Potential: The open strings contain all notes for an Em9 chord (E, G, B, D, F#). The lowest note, F#, functions as the 9th, providing a lush, inversed voicing of Em9 with a characteristic dominant or Lydian bass.
• Intervals (from 6th string to 1st string):
  • 6th (F#) to 5th (B): Perfect 4th
  • 5th (B) to 4th (D): Minor 3rd
  • 4th (D) to 3rd (G): Perfect 4th
  • 3rd (G) to 2nd (B): Major 3rd
  • 2nd (B) to 1st (E): Perfect 4th
• Chord Shapes: The combination of Perfect 4th and 3rd intervals, along with the complete Em9 chord notes across the open strings, significantly simplifies the formation of extended minor chords, especially when utilizing straightforward barre positions.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Open Em9' tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these precise instructions:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones from E to F#. (Exercise care when tuning up; this is a moderate change.)
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones from A to B. (Exercise care when tuning up; this is a moderate change.)
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains G3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains E4.

Important Note on String Gauges: For this specific tuning, the largest string movements are +2 semitones. While these are within acceptable limits for standard guitar strings, always exercise caution when tuning any string up. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is generally advised to ensure optimal tension, playability, and string longevity, though it is not strictly necessary for this particular tuning.

Your Guitar will be tuned to the following notes:

6th String (Lowest): F3#

5th String: B2

4th String: D3

3rd String: G3

2nd String: B3

1st String (Highest): E4