Verbal and Technical Analysis

This unique tuning, famously utilized by Spencer Elliott in his song "Tournament," transforms your guitar into an open A minor 7 chord. The notes A1-E2-C3-G3-A3-E4 (from low to high) create a rich, melancholic, yet full sound when strummed open. This makes it particularly well-suited for intricate fingerstyle pieces, atmospheric soundscapes, and robust rhythm playing within the key of A minor.

Technically, this tuning is a powerful voicing of an Am7 chord (A-C-E-G) across all six open strings. The repetition of the root (A) and fifth (E) at different octaves provides a strong fundamental presence and a wide harmonic range, allowing for a deep, resonant quality. While a significant departure from standard EADGBe tuning, this setup simplifies many minor chord voicings and opens up new possibilities for dominant 7th and sus chord shapes with minimal fretting, especially those built around A. Barre chords, when played across all strings, will instantly resolve into Am7 or related structures depending on the root, offering a fresh perspective on chordal exploration.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Open Am7 (Tournament)" tuning, follow these precise string adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. Note: This is a significant drop. For optimal tension and tone, especially if playing this tuning often, considering a heavier gauge string for your low E is advised.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial adjustment. A heavier gauge string for your A string may enhance stability and tone.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remaining at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remaining at E4.

Always tune carefully and check your string tension, particularly with large downward adjustments.

6th String: A1

5th String: E2

4th String: C3

3rd String: G3

2nd String: A3

1st String: E4