Tuning Analysis: Cmin7 Open Tuning

This unique guitar tuning, accurately named Cmin7, offers a rich and distinctive sonic landscape. Its creator describes it as the "Tuning for Never Too Late - Kevin Staudt version on Youtube," suggesting its application in a specific musical context. This tuning immediately presents a deep, resonant quality that clearly establishes a minor tonality, specifically built around a C minor 7 chord.

Technical Breakdown:

The open strings are tuned to C2-G2-C3-D4#-A4#-D5#. Let's analyze the intervals and harmonic possibilities that define this tuning:

• String 6 (C2) to String 5 (G2): This is a perfect fifth (P5), establishing a strong, fundamental interval.
• String 5 (G2) to String 4 (C3): This is a perfect fourth (P4), completing a C5 power chord on the lowest three strings.
• String 4 (C3) to String 3 (D4#): This is a significantly wide interval, spanning an octave and a major third (C to Eb/D#). This leap creates a bright and open upper register, adding a unique melodic dimension.
• String 3 (D4#) to String 2 (A4#): This forms a perfect fifth (P5), maintaining a consistent harmonic structure on the higher strings.
• String 2 (A4#) to String 1 (D5#): This is a perfect fourth (P4), mirroring the interval between the 5th and 4th strings and reinforcing the overall harmony.

The open tuning itself perfectly outlines a C minor 7 chord (C-Eb-G-Bb, with D# and A# being enharmonically equivalent to Eb and Bb respectively). Strumming all open strings will produce a full, dark, and resonant C minor 7, creating an immediate atmospheric foundation. The lowest three strings (C2-G2-C3) form a powerful C5 power chord, providing a solid, driving low end, while the higher strings (D4#-A4#-D5#) beautifully reinforce the minor 7 harmony with Eb, Bb, and another Eb an octave higher.

This tuning lends itself exceptionally well to rhythmic playing, especially with open string drones providing a constant minor 7 harmony. Minor 7 arpeggios will naturally fall under the fingers across the fretboard. Barring across frets will easily yield other minor 7 chord shapes and related harmonies, making it versatile for composition in this key. The wide interval jump between the 4th and 3rd strings can be creatively utilized for interesting melodic lines or to create unique chord voicings by fretting only the higher strings.

How to Tune Your Guitar:

To achieve the Cmin7 tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-e tuning, follow these steps carefully. Please note that tuning down multiple semitones can reduce string tension. While a different string gauge is generally advised for changes exceeding four semitones, strings tuned exactly four semitones down may still perform adequately with care, but heavier gauges can enhance stability and intonation for such drops.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from its standard E2 note to C2. This is a significant drop, so proceed slowly and carefully.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard A2 note to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard D3 note to C3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 4 semitones from its standard G3 note to Eb3. This is another significant drop; exercise caution when detuning. Important Note: The target note for this string in the tuning analysis is D4# (Eb4), which is an octave higher than Eb3. The tuning instructions provided dictate a 4-semitone drop from G3, resulting in Eb3. Please use a tuner and verify which target note (D4# or Eb3) aligns with the desired sound and the original source for the 'Never Too Late' version, as the provided tuning notes and tuning instructions present a discrepancy for this string.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 1 semitone from its standard B3 note to Bb3. Important Note: The target note for this string in the tuning analysis is A4# (Bb4), which is an octave higher than Bb3. The tuning instructions provided dictate a 1-semitone drop from B3, resulting in Bb3. Please verify with a tuner which note (A4# or Bb3) is intended for the Cmin7 tuning.
• String 1 (High e): Tune down 1 semitone from its standard E4 note to Eb4. Important Note: The target note for this string in the tuning analysis is D5# (Eb5), which is an octave higher than Eb4. The tuning instructions provided dictate a 1-semitone drop from E4, resulting in Eb4. Please confirm with a tuner which note (D5# or Eb4) is intended for the Cmin7 tuning.

For strings requiring a 4-semitone drop, like the 6th and 3rd strings, while not strictly requiring a different gauge, exercising care is important to avoid string flop or intonation issues. If you notice severe intonation problems or excessively loose strings, a heavier gauge set might be beneficial to maintain optimal playability and tone.

String 6 (Lowest String): C2 (The lowest note, two octaves below Middle C, providing a deep and resonant foundation.)

String 5: G2 (A perfect fifth above the lowest C, adding harmonic depth and power.)

String 4: C3 (An octave above the lowest C, firmly grounding the core C minor 7 harmony.)

String 3: D4# (Eb4, a major third above C3, introducing the minor quality and a bright, higher register.)

String 2: A4# (Bb4, a minor seventh above C3, perfectly completing the characteristic minor 7 chord sound.)

String 1 (Highest String): D5# (Eb5, an octave above the 3rd string's D4#, adding sparkle and reinforcing the minor harmony in the highest register.)