The Open Am7 tuning is a deeply resonant and melancholic 7-string setup, perfectly suited for genres like emo and skramz, where complex harmonies and a broad tonal palette are desired. It offers a rich, full-bodied sound that provides a strong emotional foundation for composition and improvisation.

Technical Analysis:

This 7-string tuning is set to A1-C2-A2-E3-G3-C4-E4. When strummed open, all strings collectively form a complete A minor 7th chord (A-C-E-G), providing an immediate, lush harmonic landscape. The strategic placement of root notes (A) on both the 7th and 5th strings, coupled with repeated minor thirds (C) on the 6th and 2nd strings, and perfect fifths (E) on the 4th and 1st strings, creates a dense and harmonically rich voicing across multiple octaves.

The lowered pitch of the two lowest strings (B to A, and E to C from standard 7-string tuning) dramatically expands the low-end, offering a heavier and darker foundation. Conversely, the higher strings are either raised or maintained at standard pitch, allowing for a contrasting brightness or tension in the upper register. This dynamic range makes the tuning exceptionally versatile for creating both heavy riffs and delicate melodic passages.

Chordal Possibilities:

With the open strings already forming an Am7, this tuning inherently simplifies the construction of various minor 7th chords. A simple bar across all strings at any fret will typically yield a minor 7th chord, shifted chromatically. For instance, barring at the 1st fret would give an A#m7 (or Bbm7). The intervals between certain strings, such as the major third between the 2nd (C4) and 1st (E4) strings, facilitate the formation of major chord shapes with relative ease. The proximity of the 5th (A2), 4th (E3), and 3rd (G3) strings can also quickly form power chord-like voicings or parts of a minor triad, lending itself to both aggressive and more open, ethereal sounds.

How to Tune (from standard 7-string B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4):

• String 7 (Lowest String, B1): Tune down 2 semitones to A1.
• String 6 (E2): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. Important: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. It is strongly advised to use a heavier gauge string for this position to maintain optimal tension, tone, and prevent string flop.
• String 5 (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (D3): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B3): Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• String 1 (Highest String, E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

String 7: A1 (Lowest String)

String 6: C2

String 5: A2

String 4: E3

String 3: G3

String 2: C4

String 1: E4 (Highest String)