Welcome to the "Open D Minor 9" tuning, a truly distinctive and harmonically rich setup that departs significantly from standard guitar configurations. This tuning offers a unique sonic landscape, leaning into complex minor harmonies that can evoke moods from introspective and melancholic to expansive and dreamy. It’s an excellent choice for players seeking to break new ground in songwriting, explore modern jazz-fusion voicings, or create ambient and cinematic soundscapes. The non-standard intervals between strings encourage discovery, inviting you to rethink familiar chord shapes and explore new melodic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

The open strings of this tuning are set to C2, F2, A2, E3, A3, D4, from lowest to highest. This arrangement results in a rich D Minor 9 chord (D-F-A-C-E) when strummed open, with an additional low C providing a deep foundational resonance. The specific notes available across the open strings are C, D, E, F, and A, offering a versatile palette for creative expression.

Intervals Between Strings:

• 6th to 5th (C2 to F2): Perfect 4th
• 5th to 4th (F2 to A2): Major 3rd
• 4th to 3rd (A2 to E3): Minor 6th (ascending) or Perfect 5th (descending)
• 3rd to 2nd (E3 to A3): Perfect 4th
• 2nd to 1st (A3 to D4): Perfect 4th

The presence of two A notes (A2 and A3) adds a natural octave doubling that enhances the resonance. The consistent Perfect 4th intervals on the higher strings (E-A-D) may offer some familiarity for players transitioning from standard tuning, while the broader and more varied intervals on the lower strings (C-F, F-A, A-E) demand a fresh approach to the fretboard.

Open Chords and Reachable Shapes:

• Open Strum: The full open strum creates a resonant D Minor 9 chord, providing a sophisticated harmonic base without any fretting.
• Barred Chords: Barring all strings across any fret will instantly transpose the D Minor 9 chord. For example, barring at the 2nd fret would yield an Em9. This makes playing complex chord progressions with this specific harmonic color very accessible.
• Partial Chords:
  • Strings 4-3-2 (A2-E3-A3): An A minor triad.
  • Strings 5-4-3 (F2-A2-E3): An Fmaj7no5 fragment, offering a rich, suspended feel.
  • Strings 6-5-4 (C2-F2-A2): An F major chord in second inversion.

Due to the significant departure from standard tuning, conventional chord shapes will not apply directly. However, the inherent harmonic structure of Dm9 across the open strings empowers players to quickly adapt by using simple barring techniques and exploring new voicings unique to this tuning. This encourages an organic and intuitive approach to playing.

Tuning Notes Overview

Here are the specific target notes for each string in this "Open D Minor 9" tuning, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st):

• String 6 (Lowest E-string equivalent): C2
• String 5 (A-string equivalent): F2
• String 4 (D-string equivalent): A2
• String 3 (G-string equivalent): E3
• String 2 (B-string equivalent): A3
• String 1 (Highest E-string equivalent): D4

How to Tune

To achieve the "Open D Minor 9" tuning, follow these specific adjustments for each string. Please use a chromatic tuner to reach the target notes directly.

• String 6 (Low E to C2): Tune up 6 semitones to reach C2.
• String 5 (A to F2): Tune up 6 semitones to reach F2.
• String 4 (D to A2): Tune up 5 semitones to reach A2.
• String 3 (G to E3): Tune up 7 semitones to reach E3.
• String 2 (B to A3): Tune up 7 semitones to reach A3.
• String 1 (High E to D4): Tune up 7 semitones to reach D4.

Important Note on String Gauge: All string adjustments in this tuning involve tuning significantly up by 5 or more semitones. Such substantial increases in tension can put considerable stress on your guitar neck and strings. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is highly recommended to consider using a different gauge string, or to exercise extreme caution to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument. Tuning up by 6 or 7 semitones is equivalent to a perfect 5th or more, which is a very large pitch change and generally warrants a lighter gauge string to avoid excessive tension.