The 7-String Dmadd9 tuning is a potent and versatile setup for the modern guitarist, perfectly balancing aggressive low-end power with rich, expansive clean tones. As the tuning name suggests, the open strings form a complete D minor add 9 chord, specifically voiced as A1-D2-A2-D3-F3-A3-E4.

Verbal Analysis:

This tuning truly delivers on its promise: "All the heaviness available on the low end with the gain up and then a beautiful open chord tuning when you switch to your clean channel." The deep A and D notes on the lower strings provide an incredible foundation for heavy riffs, palm-muting, and chugging, allowing for a crushing, wall-of-sound effect when played with distortion.

However, the magic truly unfolds when switching to a clean channel. The open Dmadd9 chord rings out with a melancholic yet sophisticated quality. The added 9th (E4 on the highest string) provides a bright, open, and slightly jazzy or ethereal shimmer that contrasts beautifully with the minor tonality, making it ideal for arpeggios, fingerstyle, and ambient textures. Its open nature makes it highly resonant, allowing for big, ringing chord voicings with minimal effort.

Technical Analysis:

The open string configuration is:

• 7th String (Lowest): A1 (Fifth of D minor)
• 6th String: D2 (Root of D minor)
• 5th String: A2 (Octave of the Fifth)
• 4th String: D3 (Octave of the Root)
• 3rd String: F3 (Minor Third of D)
• 2nd String: A3 (Octave of the Fifth)
• 1st String (Highest): E4 (Major Ninth of D)

This precisely stacks the notes of a D minor add 9 chord (D-F-A-E), spread across multiple octaves. The root (D), minor third (F), and fifth (A) are strongly reinforced, giving the tuning its core minor tonality. The E4 (9th) on the highest string adds a complex harmonic layer.

Due to its open chord nature, numerous voicings become easily accessible. Power chords based on D and A are readily available across the lower strings, perfect for heavy rhythm work. Barre chords across any fret will naturally produce inversions or extensions of D minor add 9, or other harmonically related chords, making it intuitive for both melodic and rhythmic playing. For example, barring all strings at the 3rd fret would yield an F minor add 9 chord, while barring at the 5th fret would produce a G minor add 9. The unique interval spread also encourages creative lead lines and arpeggios that might be more challenging in standard tunings.

Tuning Details:

Each string is tuned as follows:

7th String: A1

6th String: D2

5th String: A2

4th String: D3

3rd String: F3

2nd String: A3

1st String: E4

How to Tune:

To achieve the 7-String Dmadd9 tuning from a standard 7-string tuning (typically B-E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these steps carefully:

• 7th String (Lowest): From standard B1, tune down 2 semitones to A1.
• 6th String: From standard E2, tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String: From standard A2, Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String: From standard D3, Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String: From standard G3, tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• 2nd String: From standard B3, tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (Highest): From standard E4, Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Important Note on String Gauge: The tuning adjustments for this setup are primarily small drops of 2 semitones. While these changes are generally manageable with standard string gauges, always exercise caution when tuning, especially with significant changes. If you are regularly tuning strings down by more than 4 semitones or up by more than 4 semitones for other tunings, consider using a different string gauge to maintain proper tension, intonation, and string longevity. For this specific tuning, the -2 semitone drops are within safe limits for most setups, but always listen to your guitar and strings.