Tuning Analysis: Open D Minor 11th

This intriguing tuning, which we've named 'Open D Minor 11th', offers a rich and complex harmonic foundation. As described in its origin, the open strings directly form a D minor 11th chord, providing an immediate depth and character that is both melancholic and sophisticated. It bears a conceptual resemblance to other extended open minor tunings, like the famous C G D# F A# D, by offering a full, voiced chord without fretting.

Verbal Analysis

The core of this tuning lies in its deep D minor tonality, extended by the 9th and 11th. The low D string establishes a powerful, resonant base, which resonates beautifully with the open A (5th) and C (minor 7th). The F (minor 3rd) and G (11th) fill out the chord, while the high E (9th) adds a shimmering, somewhat jazzy upper extension. This creates a dense, full-bodied sound perfect for ambient soundscapes, intricate fingerstyle compositions, blues, or even heavier genres seeking complex harmonic textures and tension. The open chord itself invites exploration, making it easy to drone and find melodic ideas that fit naturally within the D minor 11th framework.

Technical Analysis

The tuning notes from lowest to highest are D2-A2-C3-F3-G3-E4. Relative to the D root, the intervals are: Root (D), Perfect 5th (A), Minor 7th (C), Minor 3rd (F), Perfect 4th / 11th (G), and Major 9th (E). This exact configuration constitutes a D minor 11th chord (D-F-A-C-E-G), making it a true open chord tuning. The string intervals allow for several accessible chord shapes: simple D minor triads can be formed by barring across the lower strings. The consistent drop of 2 semitones on three of the strings (D, G, B strings in standard) simplifies some common movable shapes. The D-A-C cluster on the lowest three strings makes for easy power chords and minor seventh voicings, while the F-G-E on the higher strings encourages melodic ornamentation and arpeggios that highlight the extended chord tones. Barre chords played higher up the neck will yield rich, clustered voicings, expanding the harmonic possibilities.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Open D Minor 11th' tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, please follow these precise string movements:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones from G3 to F3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones from B3 to G3. Important Note: This is a significant drop. If you plan to use this tuning regularly, it is highly recommended to consider using a slightly lighter gauge string for your 2nd string to maintain optimal tension and prevent excessive floppiness or potential stress on the string.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains E4.

Always tune carefully and ensure your guitar's intonation is checked, especially after making substantial changes to string tension.

Open String Notes:

• 6th String: D2 (Low D)
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: C3
• 3rd String: F3
• 2nd String: G3
• 1st String: E4 (High E)