Tuning Analysis: Open Badd9 (7-String)

This unique 7-string guitar tuning, aptly named "Open Badd9," creates a rich, resonant soundscape particularly well-suited for genres like midwest emo. As described, it's essentially a Dadd9 chord detuned by a minor third, providing a distinctive and emotionally evocative tonal character.

Technical Breakdown

The open strings are tuned to F#2, B1, F#3, C#4, D#4, F#4, C#5 (from lowest to highest). When strummed without fretting, these notes coalesce into a beautiful Badd9 chord. This chord is built from a B major triad (B, D#, F#) with an additional C# serving as the major 9th. This specific voicing offers a broad harmonic spectrum, making it ideal for lush arpeggios, intricate melodic lines, and full, ringing chords without requiring extensive fretting.

The deep B1 and F#2 on the lowest strings provide a powerful, low-end foundation, while the higher strings feature repeated F#s and C#s across octaves. This creates a harmonically dense and resonant sound when strummed open. The open chord structure simplifies the execution of complex voicings, allowing guitarists to concentrate on melody and rhythmic textures. The tuning encourages techniques like fingerpicking and the use of open string drones, contributing to the melancholic yet often uplifting sonic textures characteristic of midwest emo.

Accessible Chords & Voicings

• Open Badd9: The most immediate benefit is the glorious open Badd9 chord available with a simple strum.
• Barre Chords: Moving a single finger across a fret allows for easy transposition of the open Badd9, providing access to a wide array of other add9 chords and harmonious progressions.
• Power Chords: The low-tuned strings facilitate powerful, impactful low-register chords with minimal effort, which can be augmented by the higher strings for added color and extensions.
• Arpeggios: The unique intervals between the strings encourage the discovery of distinctive arpeggiated patterns that would be challenging or impossible to play in standard tuning, leading to original melodic phrases.

How to Tune

To achieve the Open Badd9 tuning, you will be significantly detuning several strings. It's crucial to use a reliable tuner and proceed with care, especially with larger adjustments.

1. String 7 (Lowest String) to F#2: Tune down 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning down by 5 semitones is a substantial adjustment; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension, intonation, and string longevity.
2. String 6 to B1: Tune down 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning down by 5 semitones is a substantial adjustment; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension, intonation, and string longevity.
3. String 5 to F#3: Tune down 3 semitones.
4. String 4 to C#4: Tune down 1 semitone.
5. String 3 to D#4: Tune down 4 semitones. Caution: Tuning down by 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.
6. String 2 to F#4: Tune down 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning down by 5 semitones is a substantial adjustment; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension, intonation, and string longevity.
7. String 1 (Highest String) to C#5: Tune down 3 semitones.

For best results and to maintain proper instrument setup, consider having your guitar professionally set up for this specific tuning, especially if you plan to use it frequently.

Here are the open notes for each string in Open Badd9 tuning, from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st):

• String 7: F#2
• String 6: B1
• String 5: F#3
• String 4: C#4
• String 3: D#4
• String 2: F#4
• String 1: C#5