This is the Open Am7 tuning, specifically designed for a 7-string guitar. As described, it evokes a "sad and bittersweet" mood, characteristic of minor seventh chords. Technically, when strummed open, all strings collectively form a rich and full A minor 7th chord (A-C-E-G), providing an immediate melancholic yet sophisticated sonic canvas.

Technical Analysis

• The open notes are A1, C2, A2, C3, E3, G3, C4. These notes directly spell out an A minor 7th chord (A, C, E, G), with multiple octaves and doublings.
• The low A1 on the 7th string provides a deep foundation, while the C4 on the 1st string adds a bright, resonant top.
• The intervals between open strings are: perfect fourth (A1-C2, minor third + major second), perfect fourth (C2-A2, minor third + major second), major third (A2-C3, minor third), minor third (C3-E3, major third), minor third (E3-G3), minor third (G3-C4, perfect fourth). This unique voicing creates a full Am7 chord when strummed open.

Chords and Playability

Beyond the immediate Am7, the consistent minor 7th structure across the open strings allows for easy transposition. Simply barre your finger across all strings at any fret, and you'll instantly have a minor 7th chord in the corresponding key. For example, a barre at the 1st fret would give you A#m7/Bbm7, and at the 3rd fret, a Cm7. This makes playing blues, jazz, and folk pieces with a minor seventh feel exceptionally fluid. Melodically, the notes present a natural A minor scale with the added G from the minor 7th, which is the A natural minor or A Aeolian scale, providing a familiar framework for improvisation. Arpeggiated patterns across the open strings will naturally outline the Am7 chord.

How to Tune

To achieve this Open Am7 tuning from standard E standard (B-E-A-D-G-B-E) on a 7-string guitar, follow these steps:

• 7th String (standard B1): Tune down 2 semitones to A1.
• 6th String (standard E2): Tune down 4 semitones to C2.
• 5th String (standard A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (standard D3): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (standard G3): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (standard B3): Tune down 4 semitones to G3.
• 1st String (standard E4): Tune down 4 semitones to C4.

Open String Notes (from lowest to highest pitch):

7th String: A1

6th String: C2

5th String: A2

4th String: C3

3rd String: E3

2nd String: G3

1st String: C4