Tuning Analysis: Dm9 Open

The 'Dm9 Open' tuning is a rich and evocative configuration for the guitar, specifically designed to resonate with the sound of a D minor ninth chord when all open strings are strummed. As described by its creator, this tuning is built around a love for the Dm9 chord, creating an immediate atmospheric foundation for songwriting and improvisation. It provides a distinct dark, yet sophisticated, harmonic palette perfect for genres ranging from jazz and blues to alternative and cinematic scores.

Technical Breakdown:

The open strings are tuned to:

• String 6: D2 (Low D)
• String 5: A2
• String 4: F3
• String 3: A3
• String 2: C4
• String 1: E4 (High E)

Analyzing the intervals from the lowest D (root), we find that this tuning spells out a complete D minor ninth chord (Dm9). The notes D-A-F-A-C-E consist of the root (D), perfect 5th (A), minor 3rd (F), another perfect 5th (A), minor 7th (C), and major 9th (E). The presence of the low D gives it a powerful, resonant base, reminiscent of a Drop D feel, while the higher strings build a lush, extended harmony.

Chordal Possibilities:

The primary advantage of this tuning is the immediate access to a full Dm9 chord by simply strumming all open strings. This makes it incredibly easy to create sophisticated harmonic backdrops.

• Bar Chords: By barring all strings at any fret, you can easily transpose the Dm9 chord across the fretboard. For example, barring at the 1st fret yields a D#m9, at the 2nd fret an Em9, and so on. This simplifies playing a range of minor ninth chords.
• Dm7 and Dm: The tuning allows for easy reduction of the chord. Muting or avoiding the high E string (the 9th) leaves you with a Dm7 chord (D-A-F-A-C). Further muting or avoiding the C string (the 7th) will give you a D minor triad (D-A-F-A).
• Related Chords: The specific arrangement of notes makes certain related chords quite accessible. For instance, partial voicings involving the F and A notes on the middle strings might lead to easy F Major (F-A-C) or A Minor (A-C-E) shapes with minimal fretting on the higher strings. Experimentation with drones on the low D string against various melody lines will also yield unique sonic textures.

How to Tune:

To achieve the 'Dm9 Open' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise steps for each string:

• String 6 (Low E to D): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2. (Original E2, fret_text: Tune down 2 semitones)
• String 5 (A to A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from A2 to A2. (Original A2, fret_text: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones))
• String 4 (D to F): Tune up 3 semitones from D3 to F3. (Original D3, fret_text: Tune up 3 semitones). Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones is a significant increase in tension. Please tune carefully and gradually to avoid string breakage. If you plan to use this tuning frequently, consider if a lighter gauge string for the 4th string might be beneficial, though it doesn't exceed the threshold for mandatory change.
• String 3 (G to A): Tune up 2 semitones from G3 to A3. (Original G3, fret_text: Tune up 2 semitones)
• String 2 (B to C): Tune up 1 semitone from B3 to C4. (Original B3, fret_text: Tune up 1 semitones)
• String 1 (High E to E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4 to E4. (Original E4, fret_text: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones))

Always use a reliable tuner and ensure your guitar's setup can handle the altered string tensions, especially on the 4th string.