Tuning Overview: Baritone Ami11

This tuning, aptly named Baritone Ami11, offers a profound and resonant take on the A minor harmony, specifically designed to leverage the capabilities of a baritone guitar. It draws inspiration from rich, complex voicings found in notable tunings such as Don Ross's Cmi11 or Andy McKee's "Nocturne" tuning (CGD#FA#D), re-envisioned to center around A minor as its foundational root. The use of a baritone instrument ensures optimal tension and clarity for these lower, extended harmonies.

Verbally, this tuning evokes a deep, expansive, and incredibly lush sonic landscape. The exceptionally low A and E strings provide a formidable, almost orchestral bass foundation, while the upper strings intricately weave in the characteristic tensions and colors of an eleventh chord. Players can expect profound, sustained drones and a sound that lends itself beautifully to ambient textures, introspective fingerstyle compositions, and melodic lines that resonate with a sophisticated, often melancholic, character. The inherently wider scale length of a baritone guitar further enhances the sustain and articulation of these complex, low-register voicings.

Technical Analysis: Open String Voicing

The open strings are tuned to A1 E2 C3 D3 G3 B3 (from lowest 6th string to highest 1st string). This specific arrangement immediately forms a complete A minor 11 (Ami11) chord when strummed open, providing an incredibly rich and harmonically dense starting point:

• 6th String (A1): The root of the chord, providing a deep, anchoring bass.
• 5th String (E2): The perfect 5th, adding stability and power.
• 4th String (C3): The minor 3rd, defining the minor quality.
• 3rd String (D3): The perfect 4th (or 11th), introducing a characteristic open tension.
• 2nd String (G3): The minor 7th, adding jazz-like extension.
• 1st String (B3): The major 2nd (or 9th), contributing to the chord's full, extended harmony.

The intervals between adjacent strings create fascinating harmonic possibilities and unique fretboard navigation:

• 6th (A1) to 5th (E2): Perfect 5th (7 semitones) - A strong, consonant interval for foundational power chords.
• 5th (E2) to 4th (C3): Minor 6th (8 semitones) - Creates a beautiful, open tension that can resolve or linger.
• 4th (C3) to 3rd (D3): Major 2nd (2 semitones) - A tight, melodic interval useful for cluster chords and accessible melodic runs.
• 3rd (D3) to 2nd (G3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones) - A versatile and familiar interval, allowing for classic chord voicings.
• 2nd (G3) to 1st (B3): Major 3rd (4 semitones) - Adds brightness and a clear harmonic structure to upper voicings.

Given the inherent Ami11 chord formed by the open strings, many common A minor-related chord shapes will feel intuitive or easily adaptable. The prominent 4th (D) on the 3rd string provides a natural drone point for sustained melodies, while the close proximity of the minor 3rd (C) and major 2nd (B) on adjacent strings suggests fluid inner voice movements. This tuning particularly excels in generating rich, full voicings with minimal fingering, making complex harmonies surprisingly accessible. It is especially well-suited for extended chord arpeggios, intricate fingerstyle pieces, and compositions that demand a deep, resonant harmonic bed with a melancholic yet sophisticated character.

Tuning Notes

Here are the target notes for each string, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st), in this Baritone Ami11 tuning:

6th String: A1
5th String: E2
4th String: C3
3rd String: D3
2nd String: G3
1st String: B3

How to Tune

To achieve the Baritone Ami11 tuning from standard guitar tuning (EADGBe), please follow these steps carefully. Given the significant changes in string tension for most strings, using a baritone guitar with appropriate heavy gauge strings is highly recommended to prevent potential damage to the instrument and ensure optimal playability and intonation.

• 6th String (Low E): From its standard E2, tune down 7 semitones to A1. This is a substantial drop (more than a perfect 4th). A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension and avoid floppiness.
• 5th String (A): From its standard A2, tune down 5 semitones to E2. This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string is recommended for optimal performance.
• 4th String (D): From its standard D3, tune down 2 semitones to C3. This is a moderate change and generally safe with standard gauges.
• 3rd String (G): From its standard G3, tune down 5 semitones to D3. This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string is recommended for optimal performance.
• 2nd String (B): From its standard B3, tune down 4 semitones to G3. This is a notable drop. While borderline, a heavier gauge string may greatly improve tension and intonation.
• 1st String (High E): From its standard E4, tune down 5 semitones to B3. This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string is recommended for optimal performance.

Important Note on String Gauges: For any string requiring a tuning change of 5 semitones or more (either up or down), a switch to a string gauge specifically suited for that tension is strongly recommended. For changes of 4 semitones, a heavier gauge can also significantly improve tension, prevent buzzing, and enhance intonation. Using standard gauge strings with such drastic detuning can lead to poor playability, buzzing, intonation issues, and even potential damage to your instrument's nut or bridge over time.