Welcome to the rich and resonant world of the Open Em9 Seven String tuning for your 7-string guitar! This tuning, originally named "Open Em9" and described as having the 5th on the lowest string, offers a deep and complex harmonic foundation perfect for progressive rock, jazz fusion, or creating dark, atmospheric soundscapes.

Technical Analysis

This 7-string tuning results in the following open string notes from lowest to highest: B1, D2, F#3, D3, E3, G3, D4.

When strummed open, these notes collectively form an Em9 chord (E-G-B-D-F#), featuring the root (E), minor third (G), perfect fifth (B), minor seventh (D), and major ninth (F#). The presence of multiple D notes (D2, D3, D4) and the low B (the fifth of E) provides a full, resonant chord voicing. The F# adds a sophisticated, open quality to the minor nine chord, offering a lush, slightly dissonant texture.

Verbal Analysis & Playability

The Open Em9 Seven String tuning delivers a powerful and intricate sound straight out of the open strings. It's incredibly versatile for rhythmic riffing, allowing for big, full chords with minimal effort. The repeated D notes create natural drones and sympathetic resonances, adding to the richness of the sound.

Due to the open Em9 chord, you'll find that moving a single barre up and down the neck will easily generate other minor 9th chords in different keys. For instance, fretting all strings at the 1st fret would yield an Fm9, at the 2nd fret an F#m9, and so on. The wide intervals, especially between the lower strings (B1 to D2, and D2 to F#3), encourage interesting melodic and chordal voicings not easily achieved in standard tunings. This tuning invites exploration beyond conventional chord shapes, making it ideal for experimental players or those seeking unique harmonic textures. Its low-end girth combined with the complex upper harmonics provides a massive sonic palette.

Current Open String Notes

• String 7 (Lowest): B1
• String 6: D2
• String 5: F#3
• String 4: D3
• String 3: E3
• String 2: G3
• String 1 (Highest): D4

How to Tune

To achieve the Open Em9 Seven String tuning, assuming a standard 7-string tuning of B-E-A-D-G-B-E (from lowest to highest string), follow these adjustments:

• String 7 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 6 (E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop from standard B. If your current string gauge is light, consider a heavier gauge for this string to maintain proper tension and tone and avoid potential issues.
• String 1 (E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Always tune carefully, especially when making large adjustments, to avoid string breakage or damage to your instrument. For tunings exceeding negative 4 or positive 4 semitones, a different gauge string is generally advised.