Overview

The Open D Minor Eleventh Tuning, also known by its original name "the script 2 down", is a rich and resonant tuning for Guitar that immediately presents a full D minor 11 chord when strummed open. This creates a deep, melancholic, and atmospheric sound ideal for various genres, from progressive rock and metal to intricate fingerstyle pieces and cinematic scores. It's a tuning that encourages exploration of harmony and drone elements.

Technical Analysis

This tuning transforms the standard E A D G B E guitar into the following notes:

• String 6: D2 (a full step down from standard E2)
• String 5: A2 (remains standard A2)
• String 4: C3 (a full step down from standard D3)
• String 3: G3 (remains standard G3)
• String 2: C4 (a half step up from standard B3)
• String 1: D4 (a full step down from standard E4)

The open string notes D-A-C-G-C-D, when combined, form a D minor 11 chord. Specifically, the intervals from the root (D) are: Root, 5th, minor 7th, 4th/11th, minor 7th, Root. The prominent minor seventh (C) and the eleventh (G) give this tuning its distinctive dark and complex harmonic character. The doubled D's and C's provide a thick, sustained quality, making open strumming incredibly full-bodied and harmonically dense.

Chords and Playability

The inherent harmonic richness of the open D minor 11 chord makes this tuning particularly inspiring for:

• Open Chord Voicings: The open strings themselves form a beautiful Dm11. Simply barring across a single fret will generally produce various minor 11th chords (e.g., 1st fret for Eb minor 11, 3rd fret for F minor 11), offering an easy way to explore different tonalities with a consistent harmonic structure.
• Droning: The low D and high D, along with the other harmonic intervals, lend themselves perfectly to droning techniques, creating expansive and sustained soundscapes.
• Modal Playing: It naturally fits into the D Dorian or D Aeolian (natural minor) modes, especially given the prominent G (the 4th/11th) and C (the minor 7th), providing a strong foundation for melodic improvisation.
• Fingerstyle: The open harmonic structure allows for intricate arpeggios and melodies to be played over a consistent D minor 11 foundation, creating a rich texture.
• Power Chords: The low D allows for powerful, resonant power chords, especially with the drop-D style feel on the lowest string.

While its unique structure may require some re-learning for standard chord shapes, the inherent musicality and the ease of creating complex harmony with open strings quickly opens up new creative avenues.

How to Tune

To achieve the Open D Minor Eleventh Tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these steps carefully:

• String 6 (Low E to D): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A to A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (D to C): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G to G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B to C): Tune up 1 semitone to C4. Note: Small upward adjustments like this are generally safe, but always tune slowly and carefully to avoid string breakage.
• String 1 (High E to D): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Important Gauge Note: While most changes are minor, consistently tuning strings significantly higher or lower (exceeding 4 semitones in either direction) might warrant considering a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension and prevent damage. For this particular tuning, only the 2nd string is tuned up by a small amount, making it generally suitable for standard string gauges.

String 6: Tuned to D2 (a full step down from standard E).

String 5: Tuned to A2 (standard A tuning).

String 4: Tuned to C3 (a full step down from standard D).

String 3: Tuned to G3 (standard G tuning).

String 2: Tuned to C4 (a half step up from standard B).

String 1: Tuned to D4 (a full step down from standard E).