This 7-string tuning, aptly named Open Dmaj9, creates a rich and resonant D major ninth chord (D-F#-A-C#-E) when all strings are played open. It's often found in contemporary and alternative music, offering a lush, full sound that can evoke feelings of introspection, depth, or expansive wonder. Its explicit use in "In my Room" by Julia Wolf suggests a modern, evocative, and harmonically rich character.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are A1, D2, A2, C#4, F#4, A3, E4. When these notes are combined, they form a complete D major ninth chord (D-F#-A-C#-E) across multiple octaves. The arrangement provides a strong low-end foundation with A1 and D2, while the upper strings (C#4, F#4, A3, E4) create a bright, harmonically dense voicing of the 9th, 3rd, 6th, and 5th of D. This makes for an incredibly full and 'finished' sound without any fretting.

Chordal Possibilities

The tuning offers immediate access to a variety of chords and voicings:

• Open Chord: The prominent Dmaj9 chord is available simply by strumming all open strings, offering a complete D-F#-A-C#-E voicing.
• Derived Chords: By omitting certain strings or fretting specific notes, you can easily achieve a D Major triad (D-F#-A), D Major 7th (D-F#-A-C#), or an A Major triad (A-C#-E) using the open strings.
• Accessible Shapes: Due to the strong Dmaj9 foundation, barring across any fret immediately transposes this complex chord, allowing for quick transitions to Emaj9 (2nd fret), Gmaj9 (5th fret), and other major ninth chords. The open intervals also facilitate the creation of various suspended chords and power chords with minimal effort, making it versatile for both intricate fingerstyle and powerful strumming.

Open String Notes (7-String)

• String 7 (Low A): A1
• String 6 (Low D): D2
• String 5 (Mid A): A2
• String 4 (High C#): C#4
• String 3 (Mid F#): F#4
• String 2 (High A): A3
• String 1 (High E): E4

How to Tune

To achieve the Open Dmaj9 tuning, adjust your 7-string guitar from its standard tuning according to the following instructions. Note that all movements are within safe ranges for standard string gauges, making it generally safe for your instrument and strings.

• String 7: Tune down 2 semitones to A1.
• String 6: Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4: Tune down 1 semitone to C#4.
• String 3: Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• String 2: Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.