Tuning Analysis: Open Gmaj9

This intriguing tuning is named Open Gmaj9. The provided description notes it's derived from "Open Fmaj9 with a Capo on the 2nd Fret." This contextualizes the tuning's nature, indicating it achieves a Gmaj9 chord by conceptually transposing an Fmaj9 configuration up a whole step.

Verbal Analysis

Open Gmaj9 offers a rich, complex, and sophisticated sonic landscape. It leans towards genres requiring advanced harmony, such as jazz, fusion, ambient music, or contemporary progressive styles. The open strings immediately present a full G major 9th chord, creating a lush harmonic foundation that encourages a thoughtful and expansive playing approach. Players can explore intricate fingerpicking patterns and arpeggios that sound harmonically advanced without requiring complex fretting. This tuning fosters a resonant sound, favoring sustained chords, drones, and nuanced melodic lines over fast, single-note runs. It's an inspiring tuning for composers and improvisers seeking fresh harmonic textures and unique chord voicings.

Technical Analysis

The open strings of this tuning are arranged as G2 - B2 - D3 - A3 - B3 - F5#, from the 6th (low E) to the 1st (high E) string. Let's analyze its construction as a Gmaj9 chord:

• G (Root): Provided by the 6th string (G2).
• B (Major 3rd): Present on both the 5th (B2) and 2nd (B3) strings, offering octave reinforcement.
• D (Perfect 5th): Found on the 4th string (D3).
• F# (Major 7th): Crucially present on the 1st string (F5#).
• A (Major 9th): Provided by the 3rd string (A3).

The combination of these notes (G-B-D-A-B-F#) perfectly spells out a Gmaj9 chord (G-B-D-F#-A), with octaves of the 3rd and 5th providing additional depth. This makes the open tuning harmonically complete, offering all essential chord tones and extensions in the open position. The inclusion of the major 7th (F#) and the 9th (A) gives the tuning its characteristic rich, open, and somewhat ethereal quality. The low A on the 3rd string particularly contributes a lovely open voice for the 9th.

Open Chords and Reachable Voicings

The most direct and resonant chord available is the Open Gmaj9 itself, which rings out with all strings open. Given the consistent intervals across the strings, other major 9th chords can be easily formed by simply barring all strings at a higher fret. For instance, a barre at the 2nd fret would yield an Amaj9, at the 3rd fret a Bbmaj9, and so on. This makes transposing chord progressions in this voicing straightforward. The repeated B notes on the 5th and 2nd strings, along with the root G on the 6th string, provide excellent anchor points for developing melodic lines and exploring chord inversions. Experimenting with two- or three-finger shapes on the higher strings while letting the lower strings drone will uncover a wealth of sophisticated voicings and harmonic possibilities.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open Gmaj9

When adjusting your guitar's tuning, particularly when increasing string tension, always proceed with caution. Ensure your instrument is in good condition, and use a reliable electronic tuner for accuracy.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 3 semitones from E to G2. (Caution: This is a significant increase in tension. Tune slowly and carefully.)
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones from A to B2. (A moderate increase in tension.)
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones from G to A3. (A moderate increase in tension.)
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 2 semitones from E to F5#. (A moderate increase in tension.)

Important Note: While none of the individual string movements in this tuning exceed a shift of 4 semitones (either up or down), any upward tuning, especially the 3-semitone jump on the 6th string, should be approached carefully to prevent string breakage or undue stress on the guitar neck. For tunings involving shifts of 4 semitones or more, particularly upwards, changing to a different string gauge is often recommended for optimal playability and to safeguard your instrument. For this specific tuning, the adjustments are generally manageable with standard light or medium gauge strings if performed slowly and attentively.

Tuning Notes for Open Gmaj9

Here are the specific notes for each string in this Open Gmaj9 tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st) string:

• 6th String: G2
• 5th String: B2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: A3
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: F5#