The 'Open D#add9 (with Drop G)' is a profoundly low and harmonically rich tuning that transforms your 6-string guitar into an instrument of deep resonance and unique sonic possibilities. It combines an ultra-low G on the 6th string, characteristic of 'Drop G' tunings, with the remaining open strings forming a complex D#add9 chord. This setup creates a slack, dark, and heavy feel, ideal for genres demanding a robust low end like metal, hard rock, or experimental music, providing a deep sonic foundation and rich, complex open voicings. The distinct re-entrant nature within the D#add9 voicing offers an unconventional harmonic landscape, inviting players to explore new melodic and chordal textures that defy standard guitar voicings. As the tuning involves significant downward adjustments, a heavier string gauge is highly recommended to maintain playability and intonation.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the open strings to G1, F2, A#3, D#4, G3, A#4. The 6th string is tuned to an exceptionally low G1, providing a deep, guttural bass foundation. The 5th through 1st strings (F2, A#3, D#4, G3, A#4) collectively form an open D#add9 chord, featuring the root (D#), major third (G), perfect fifth (A#), and major ninth (F). A critical technical aspect is the re-entrant tuning between the 3rd and 2nd strings: the 3rd string is D#4 (a higher pitch) while the 2nd string is G3 (a lower pitch). This non-linear string arrangement creates unique intervallic relationships across the fretboard. The overall lower tension across most strings lends itself to expressive bending and vibrato, while the wide range of pitches (from G1 to A#4) offers an expansive canvas for sound design.

Chords and Playability

With the open strings (5th through 1st) forming a D#add9 chord, simply strumming these strings yields a full, rich harmony. The 'Drop G' 6th string can be used as a powerful drone or the root for heavy riffs and bass lines, particularly well-suited for power chords where the low G serves as the fundamental. While the re-entrant D#4/G3 relationship might make traditional barre chords across all five D#add9 strings unconventional, it encourages exploration of new chord shapes and inversions. The wide intervallic spread and deep fundamental notes make this tuning perfectly suited for heavy palm-muted riffs, expansive open-string arpeggios, and ambient soundscapes. The significant drop in pitch for many strings also means that the guitar will respond with a looser feel, which can be advantageous for specific playing styles but may require adjusting your picking dynamics.

Open String Notes

• 6th String: G1 (the lowest note, a very deep G)
• 5th String: F2 (an F note in the second octave)
• 4th String: A#3 (an A-sharp in the third octave)
• 3rd String: D#4 (a D-sharp in the fourth octave - note: this is higher than the 2nd string)
• 2nd String: G3 (a G note in the third octave - note: this is lower than the 3rd string)
• 1st String: A#4 (an A-sharp in the fourth octave)

How to Tune

To achieve this unique 'Open D#add9 (with Drop G)' tuning, carefully adjust each string from standard EADGBe tuning. Please note the significant string movements, especially tuning down, which might require a heavier string gauge for optimal playability and intonation. Pay close attention to the direction and number of semitones for each string, as specified below:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 9 semitones to G1. Caution: This is a very significant drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain tension and avoid floppiness.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 4 semitones to F2. Consider a heavier gauge string for better tension.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 4 semitones to A#3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 4 semitones to D#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Consider a heavier gauge string for better tension.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 6 semitones to A#4. Caution: This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain tension and avoid floppiness.

Remember to always tune slowly and carefully, especially when making large adjustments.