Dive into a realm of deep resonance and dramatic tonality with the Open G minor with added low C tuning. This specialized 7-string guitar tuning crafts a powerful, dark soundscape, perfect for genres ranging from heavy metal and progressive rock to cinematic scoring and ambient sound design.

Verbal Analysis

At its heart, this tuning builds upon a rich Open G minor framework, featuring G, D, G, A# (Bb), D across strings 5 through 1. The defining characteristic, as suggested by its name, is the addition of an exceptionally low C on the 7th string and a D on the 6th string. This low C acts as a formidable drone, creating a massive sonic foundation, as described: "The low C provides a drone/base for a 5th fret bar." This means you can play a resonant C minor chord by barring at the 5th fret (on strings 5-1, yielding C-G-C-Eb-G) while the open low C string provides a consistent, deep anchor, further enhanced by the open D. The combination results in a complex, yet incredibly satisfying, C minor sound with added depth and tension from the D. It's a tuning that encourages powerful open string riffs, sweeping arpeggios, and allows for extensive harmonic exploration, offering easy access to minor chords and scales with minimal fretting.

Technical Analysis

This is a 7-string guitar tuning configured as follows:

• String 7: C2 (Low C)
• String 6: D2
• String 5: G2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: A#4 (Bb4)
• String 1: D4 (High D)

Observing the intervals, we find a complex interplay of perfect fourths and fifths, with a crucial minor third (G to A#) forming the core minor tonality. The abundance of G and D notes across multiple octaves (G2, G3, D2, D3, D4) contributes to a rich, resonant sound. The A#4 (Bb4) provides the characteristic minor third, giving the tuning its melancholic, powerful voice. When strummed open, strings 5 through 1 form a clear G minor chord (G-D-G-Bb-D), while the low C2 and D2 strings expand this harmonic landscape, suggesting possibilities for C minor 9 (C-Eb-G-Bb-D) or C minor with a prominent suspended 2nd. This tuning significantly departs from standard 7-string tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E), requiring precise adjustments across most strings.

How to Tune

To achieve the Open G minor with added low C tuning from a standard 7-string tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these specific string adjustments:

• String 7 (Low B to C2): Tune up 1 semitones.
• String 6 (Low E to D2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 5 (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G to G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B to A#4): Tune down 1 semitones.
• String 1 (High E to D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

Important Note on String Gauge: When tuning strings up or down by more than 4 semitones (four half-steps), it is generally advisable to consider using a different string gauge to avoid excessive tension or slack, which can affect playability and intonation. For this tuning, all adjustments are within a safe range, but always exercise caution and listen to your guitar when making changes.