Description

The Open Aminor11 tuning is an exceptionally rich and resonant setup for guitar, immediately creating a full A minor 11th chord when played open. As its original description suggests, this tuning offers a significantly lower-pitched character compared to an equivalent B minor 11, making it a fantastic choice for crafting dense, expansive soundscapes, particularly in genres like metal, progressive rock, or ambient music where a dark, complex, and immersive sonic texture is desired.

Technical Breakdown:

• Root and Intervals: The tuning, set to A1-E2-B2-C3-G3-D4 (from low to high string), establishes A1 as the fundamental root. The open strings collectively spell out the notes A, E, B, C, G, D. When analyzed against the A root, these notes represent: A (root), B (major 9th), C (minor 3rd), D (perfect 11th), E (perfect 5th), and G (minor 7th). This specific intervallic structure is the complete definition of an A minor 11th chord.
• Chord Voicing: The most striking feature of this tuning is its ability to produce a full, lush A minor 11th chord by simply strumming all open strings. This makes complex harmony instantly accessible. Furthermore, barring across all six strings at any fret will instantly transpose this rich A minor 11th chord up the neck, allowing for effortless construction of chord progressions built entirely on minor 11th voicings (e.g., barring at the first fret yields A#m11, at the second fret, Bm11, and so on).
• Playing Potential: Beyond the ease of open and barred minor 11th chords, this tuning opens up a realm of creative possibilities. It is highly suitable for generating deep, resonant drones, complex arpeggios that emphasize the minor 11th harmony, and melodic lines that interact with its inherent chord structure. The lower register of the tuning and the intricate harmony lend themselves perfectly to atmospheric textures, ambient sound design, and heavy, progressive riffing where a full, dark, and sustained sound is key. The wide intervals present between certain strings also invite unique fingerings and voicings not typically found in standard tuning.

Open String Notes

String 6: A1

String 5: E2

String 4: B2

String 3: C3

String 2: G3

String 1: D4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

Please take care when adjusting string tension. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different gauge string is advised for optimal playability, tension, and to prevent potential string or instrument damage.

• String 6 (Low E) to A1: Tune down 7 semitones. This is a significant drop in pitch, making a heavier gauge string strongly advised for maintaining proper tension and tone.
• String 5 (A) to E2: Tune down 5 semitones. This is a substantial drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension and playability.
• String 4 (D) to B2: Tune down 3 semitones. This drop is manageable, but always tune carefully and gradually.
• String 3 (G) to C3: Tune down 7 semitones. This is a significant drop in pitch, making a heavier gauge string strongly advised for maintaining proper tension and tone.
• String 2 (B) to G3: Tune down 4 semitones. This is at the threshold for requiring a different gauge. Take extra care when tuning to avoid string breakage or damage. Consider a heavier gauge string for improved playability and tension.
• String 1 (High E) to D4: Tune down 2 semitones. Tune carefully and gradually.