Verbal Analysis

The Open G Maj6/9 Tuning offers a remarkably bright, full, and harmonically rich sound. When strummed open, it immediately rings out a G Major 6/9 chord (G-B-D-E-A), creating an inviting and resonant texture. This makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of genres, including folk, blues, rock, and intricate fingerstyle arrangements, particularly where a strong G major tonality is desired.

The layout of the strings, with the root (G), fifth (D), and octave (G) prominent on the lower three strings, provides a robust and powerful foundation. This setup greatly simplifies playing major chords and power chords, often requiring just one or two fingers or a simple barre shape to achieve complex voicings across multiple strings.

The original context for this tuning, as described in the JSON, is to be played with a capo at the 5th fret for the song "when birds turn to crows by beforeyouleave". This raises the effective pitch of the open strings to a C Maj6/9 tuning (C-G-C-E-A-D), giving the guitar an even brighter, more chime-like quality. This higher register is ideal for adding sparkle to melodies, creating a mandolin-esque feel, or delivering driving, rhythmic patterns with a unique character.

Given that all strings require significant tuning up (between 3 and 5 semitones) from standard EADGBe, it is highly recommended to use heavier gauge strings. This will help manage the increased string tension, improve tuning stability, and reduce the risk of string breakage, especially when combined with a capo.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for the Open G Maj6/9 Tuning are, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string:

• 6th String: G2 (Root)
• 5th String: D3 (Perfect 5th)
• 4th String: G3 (Octave)
• 3rd String: B3 (Major 3rd)
• 2nd String: E4 (Major 6th)
• 1st String: A4 (Major 2nd / 9th)

This configuration forms a G Major 6/9 chord. The interval relationships between adjacent strings are:

• String 6 (G2) to String 5 (D3): Perfect 5th
• String 5 (D3) to String 4 (G3): Perfect 4th
• String 4 (G3) to String 3 (B3): Major 3rd
• String 3 (B3) to String 2 (E4): Perfect 4th
• String 2 (E4) to String 1 (A4): Perfect 4th

The repetition of the G note on the 6th and 4th strings provides a strong, harmonically dense root for the tuning. The consistent Perfect 4th intervals between the 5th-4th, 3rd-2nd, and 2nd-1st strings create familiar fretboard patterns, making it intuitive to find chords and melodies. For example, a single finger barre across all strings at the 5th fret (without the capo) will yield a C Maj6/9 chord. The open G Maj6/9 chord is exceptionally rich, and many common chord shapes can be adapted to produce unique and vibrant voicings within this tuning.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the Open G Maj6/9 Tuning, adjust your strings from standard EADGBe as follows. Please note, all strings are tuned up significantly, so consider using heavier gauge strings to prevent breakage and ensure tuning stability, especially for movements exceeding 4 semitones.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 3 semitones from E2 to G2. (Care advised, but within reasonable limits for standard gauges)
• 5th String (A): Tune up 5 semitones from A2 to D3. (Heavier gauge string advised)
• 4th String (D): Tune up 5 semitones from D3 to G3. (Heavier gauge string advised)
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 4 semitones from G3 to B3. (Care advised, heavier gauge may be beneficial)
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 5 semitones from B3 to E4. (Heavier gauge string advised)
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 5 semitones from E4 to A4. (Heavier gauge string advised)