DACGBD Guitar Tuner

DACGBD G Dom 11, Am 11 - Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - G Dom 11, Am 11

I didn't find this tuning anywhere, just started thinking about tweaking one I already invented.

This unique tuning, which the inventor notes was developed by tweaking an existing idea, offers a rich and complex harmonic landscape. The open strings resonate with a full, intricate sound, providing a versatile foundation for modern and atmospheric music.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are configured as follows from low to high: D2 - A2 - C3 - G3 - B3 - D4. Let's analyze the intervals and the harmonic implications:

Between String 6 (D2) and String 5 (A2): A Perfect 5th (7 semitones).
Between String 5 (A2) and String 4 (C3): A Minor 3rd (3 semitones).
Between String 4 (C3) and String 3 (G3): A Perfect 5th (7 semitones).
Between String 3 (G3) and String 2 (B3): A Major 3rd (4 semitones).
Between String 2 (B3) and String 1 (D4): A Minor 3rd (3 semitones).

The overall open string voicing contains the notes D, A, C, G, B (with the high D as an octave of the low D). This collection of notes strongly supports the tuning's name, "G Dom 11, Am 11".

When analyzed with A as the root, the notes A, C, G, B, D beautifully form an Am11 chord (A C E G B D), only missing the Perfect 5th (E). The open tuning provides the root, minor third, minor seventh, major ninth, and perfect eleventh, making this a very strong voicing for Am11.
When analyzed with G as the root, the open strings provide the notes G, B, D, A, C. This forms a rich Gmaj9(add11) voicing (G B D A C), offering the root, major third, perfect fifth, major ninth, and perfect eleventh. While it omits the seventh (F for G11 or F# for Gmaj11), it powerfully suggests an extended G harmony, aligning with the "G Dom 11" aspect of the tuning's name by including many of its characteristic notes.
Additionally, the lower strings (D-A-C) form a Dm7 chord, and the upper strings (G-B-D) form a G Major triad. This allows for rich harmonic interplay and easily accessible voicings across the neck.

This tuning is ideal for creating expansive soundscapes, modern jazz voicings, and open-string drone effects. Its intervallic structure also suggests ease in finding chords like Am11, Gmaj9, and various suspended or altered harmonies with minimal fretboard movement.

Open String Notes

String 6 (Low E string): D2
String 5 (A string): A2
String 4 (D string): C3
String 3 (G string): G3
String 2 (B string): B3
String 1 (High E string): D4

How to Tune

To achieve the "G Dom 11, Am 11" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

String 6 (Low E): From its standard E2, tune down 2 semitones to D2.
String 5 (A): From its standard A2, keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains A2.
String 4 (D): From its standard D3, tune down 2 semitones to C3.
String 3 (G): From its standard G3, keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains G3.
String 2 (B): From its standard B3, keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains B3.
String 1 (High E): From its standard E4, tune down 2 semitones to D4.