Tuning Analysis: GGDABD - Gadd9

This unique tuning for the Guitar, officially named GGDABD - Gadd9, provides an open voicing of a G added 9th chord. It is a highly resonant and versatile tuning that leans towards a bright, expansive sound with a strong G major tonality, enriched by the sophisticated addition of the 9th (A).

Verbal Description

Imagine a deeply resonant and powerful foundation with the two lowest strings both tuned to G. This creates an exceptionally full and almost drone-like bass, providing a rich bedrock for various musical styles. Above this robust base, the tuning opens up into a G major chord, further enhanced by the prominent 'A' note, which adds a dreamy and sophisticated quality. Strumming all open strings yields a beautiful G major add9 chord, sounding expansive and harmonically rich. This tuning is particularly well-suited for folk, singer-songwriter compositions, ambient pieces, and any genre that benefits from a full, open sound, making it excellent for slide guitar or intricate open-string arpeggios. The unique doubling of the G on the lower strings offers a distinct sonic signature, allowing for powerful root-fifth voicings and sustained, ringing drones.

Technical Analysis

The tuning notes, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string, are G2-G2-D3-A3-B3-D4. When played open, these notes collectively form a G major triad (G-B-D) with an added A (the 9th), thus creating a Gadd9 chord. The deliberate tuning of both the 6th and 5th strings to G2 provides an unusually deep and stable harmonic base, creating a unison or octave effect that adds significant body to the overall sound. The 4th string remains at its standard D3, and the 2nd string at B3, acting as familiar anchor points. The 3rd string is raised a whole step from G to A, introducing the crucial 9th, while the 1st string is lowered a whole step from E to D, completing the G major triad.

Due to the open Gadd9 voicing, several chord possibilities and techniques become readily accessible:

• Open Gadd9: Simply strumming all strings without fretting creates a full, rich Gadd9 chord, perfect for starting compositions.
• Barre Chords: By barring all strings across any fret, you can easily transpose the open Gadd9 shape to other keys. For example, a barre at the 5th fret would produce a Cadd9 chord (C-C-G-D-E-G), leveraging the relative intervals established in this tuning.
• Drones and Pedals: The doubled G on the lowest strings is ideal for creating powerful and sustained drones, over which melodies and harmonies can be played on the higher strings.
• Folk and Slide Guitar: The open chord makes it particularly suited for slide techniques, allowing for fluid melodic lines over a consistent harmonic background.

How to Tune

To achieve the GGDABD - Gadd9 tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string movements:

• 6th String (Low E to G): Tune up 3 semitones.
• 5th String (A to G): Tune down 2 semitones.
• 4th String (D to D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G to A): Tune up 2 semitones.
• 2nd String (B to B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (High E to D): Tune down 2 semitones.

Important Note on String Gauge: All tuning adjustments for this specific tuning fall within a safe range (absolute value of semitones changed is 3 or less). Therefore, a standard set of guitar strings should generally accommodate these changes without significant tension issues. However, always exercise caution when tuning, especially when raising pitch, and listen to your guitar for any signs of undue stress.

The notes for the GGDABD - Gadd9 tuning are as follows, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string:

• 6th String: G2 (Low G)
• 5th String: G2 (G)
• 4th String: D3 (D)
• 3rd String: A3 (A)
• 2nd String: B3 (B)
• 1st String: D4 (High D)