Discover the rich and complex world of Open F# 6add9, a unique guitar tuning that offers a distinctive harmonic palette for adventurous players. This tuning transforms your guitar into a resonant soundscape, perfect for jazz, progressive rock, fusion, or ambient music, offering a sophisticated sonic foundation.

Verbal Analysis

At first strum, this tuning presents a lush, full-bodied sound that feels both familiar and exotic. The open strings resolve to an F#6add9 chord, giving it an inherent musicality and a sense of sophisticated harmony. The presence of the Major 9th (G#) as the lowest string adds a unique voicing, making the chord feel "open" and spacious rather than root-heavy. This creates a versatile canvas for melodic exploration, encouraging fingerstyle arrangements, intricate chord melodies, and even experimental sound design. The balance of higher tunings on the bass strings and lower tunings on the treble strings creates interesting string tension dynamics, resulting in a vibrant and lively tone.

Technical Analysis

The Open F# 6add9 tuning is structured as follows, from low E to high E string:

• String 6 (G3#): This is the Major 9th (or Major 2nd) of F#, serving as the lowest bass note.
• String 5 (D4#): This provides the Major 6th of F#.
• String 4 (G3#): A repetition of the Major 9th, providing harmonic depth and resonance in the mid-range.
• String 3 (C4#): The Perfect 5th of F#.
• String 2 (F4#): The root note, establishing the F# tonic in a higher octave.
• String 1 (A4#): The Major 3rd of F#, completing the triad with a bright upper voice.

The open string notes are G#, D#, G#, C#, F#, A#. When arranged from lowest to highest, these notes form the constituents of an F#6add9 chord (F#, A#, C#, D#, G#). The lowest string being the G# (9th) rather than the F# root gives this tuning a particularly open and contemporary sound, often found in jazz and fusion contexts. Barring across all strings at any fret will produce an F#6add9 chord shape transposed to the corresponding root note of that fret. For example, a barre at the 2nd fret would yield a G#6add9 chord. The repetition of the G# note on strings 6 and 4 creates a thick, resonant low end, enhancing the harmonic richness.

Due to the significant alterations from standard tuning, exploring common chord shapes might feel unfamiliar. However, the beauty lies in exploiting the open string voicings and discovering new melodic and harmonic possibilities. Simple one or two-finger additions can yield a wide array of sophisticated chords, making it highly rewarding for creative composition and improvisation. Experiment with drone notes and arpeggiated patterns to fully appreciate the unique character of this tuning.

How to Tune to Open F# 6add9

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard EADGBe, with all strings tuned up or down by 4 or more semitones. Caution is advised, and for movements exceeding 4 semitones in either direction, considering a different string gauge is highly recommended to ensure string integrity and optimal tension. Always tune slowly and use a reliable tuner to reach the precise target notes.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 4 semitones to G3#. (Note: Tuning up 4 semitones can put stress on the string; proceed with caution and consider a lighter gauge string.)
• String 5 (A): Tune up 6 semitones to D4#. (Note: A new, lighter gauge string is highly advised for this significant upward movement to prevent breakage and maintain proper tension.)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 6 semitones to G3#. (Note: For this large downward movement, you might consider a heavier gauge string to maintain adequate tension and tone.)
• String 3 (G): Tune down 6 semitones to C4#. (Note: A heavier gauge string is recommended to provide better tension and feel for this substantial drop.)
• String 2 (B): Tune down 5 semitones to F4#. (Note: A heavier gauge string may improve playability and tone for this downward adjustment.)
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 6 semitones to A4#. (Note: For this significant drop, a heavier gauge string is advised for better tension and overall tone.)