OPEN / ADD9
DAEAC#E
A low-D foundation with repeated A and E tones, plus a clear C# that keeps the whole sound bright and open.
CHANGE VALUES ARE SEMITONES FROM STANDARD TUNING. TUNE DOWN GRADUALLY.
Why it opens up
DAEAC#E gives you a low D foundation, repeated A and E tones, and a clear C# on the second string. The result is bright and spacious without settling too quickly into a simple open major chord.
From standard tuning
Starting from E A D G B E, lower the low E to D, keep A, raise D to E, raise G to A, raise B to C#, and keep the high E. Because several strings move upward, tune gradually and pay attention to tension.
First exercise
Start with the open strings and then move a single note against the repeated A and E tones. Try short melodic fragments on the upper three strings before building larger shapes. This tuning rewards restraint.
Keep in mind
Alternate tunings are living tools, and shorthand can drift between players. When sharing a tab or lesson, spell out all six strings from low to high.