About the Open Dm7 Sus4 Tuning

The Open Dm7 Sus4 tuning, also known by its open notes D-A-C-A-G-D, offers a rich and deeply resonant sound profile. This unique configuration is primarily rooted in a D minor tonality, making it an excellent choice for genres such as blues, folk, drone music, and slide guitar. The inherent minor quality lends itself beautifully to melancholic or dramatic musical expressions, while the inclusion of the G note (a perfect 4th relative to D) introduces a subtle suspension, adding depth, tension, and melodic interest to the overall chordal landscape.

From a technical standpoint, this tuning sets your guitar's open strings to the following notes: D2-A2-C3-A3-G3-D4. When strummed open, these notes collectively form a D minor 7th chord with an added 4th (G), specifically encompassing the notes D, A, C, and G across the fretboard. The low D (6th string) and high D (1st string) establish a strong foundational root and octave, providing a full and harmonious open sound. The interval relationships between adjacent strings are:

• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (A2): A Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (C3): A Minor 3rd (3 semitones)
• String 4 (C3) to String 3 (A3): A Major 6th (9 semitones), or a minor 3rd interval descending.
• String 3 (A3) to String 2 (G3): A Major 2nd (2 semitones) down.
• String 2 (G3) to String 1 (D4): A Perfect 5th (7 semitones)

This tuning significantly simplifies the playing of D minor and D minor 7th chords, often achievable by simply strumming the open strings or applying a single barre across a fret. While the wider interval between the 4th (C) and 3rd (A) strings might require some initial adaptation for traditional chord shapes, it simultaneously unlocks unique melodic possibilities and voicings that are less common in standard tuning. Simple barre chords along the neck will also readily yield various minor 7th or suspended chord variations, making this a highly versatile tuning for creative exploration and pushing beyond conventional guitar sounds.

Open String Notes:

• String 6 (Low E): D2
• String 5 (A): A2
• String 4 (D): C3
• String 3 (G): A3
• String 2 (B): G3
• String 1 (High E): D4

How to Tune Your Guitar (from Standard E Tuning):

• String 6 (Low E to D2): Tune down 2 semitones. This transforms your Low E string (E2) into D2.
• String 5 (A to A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your A string remains at A2.
• String 4 (D to C3): Tune down 2 semitones. This changes your D string (D3) to C3.
• String 3 (G to A3): Tune up 2 semitones. This raises your G string (G3) to A3. This adjustment is generally safe for standard string gauges.
• String 2 (B to G3): Tune down 4 semitones. This brings your B string (B3) significantly down to G3. Please exercise caution when making this substantial adjustment. For optimal tone, tuning stability, and to prevent potential string damage, especially if you intend to maintain this tuning for extended periods, a heavier gauge string for this position may be advised.
• String 1 (High E to D4): Tune down 2 semitones. This changes your High E string (E4) to D4.