The tuning, originally named "Min7Maj7," is an innovative approach to guitar setup, which we've dubbed the "Dm9 Harmonizer." It transforms your instrument into a sophisticated tool for crafting rich, extended harmonies and modal soundscapes. Playing all open strings reveals a lush and resonant D minor 9th (D-F-A-C-E) chord, providing an instant harmonic foundation that is perfect for jazz, blues, funk, R&B, and contemporary compositions that demand depth and complexity.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning is ingeniously designed to simplify the construction of 7th chord structures across the fretboard. It allows guitarists to approach complex voicings with shapes reminiscent of familiar power chords, but with the crucial addition of the 3rd, moving beyond simple perfect 5ths to create richer, more resonant harmonies. The open string arrangement and intervallic relationships facilitate several intuitive chord shapes that are easily accessible:

• Strings 3-6 (C4-A3-F3-D2) create a movable minor 7th chord shape, specifically a Dm7 voicing when barred.
• Strings 1-4 (E4-A3-C4-F3) yield a movable major 7th chord shape, forming an Fmaj7 voicing when barred.
• A three-string block on strings 4-6 (F3-A2-D2) readily forms a D minor triad.
• Another three-string block on strings 2-4 (A3-C4-F3) conveniently provides an F major triad.

These readily accessible chord shapes open up a world of harmonic possibilities, making it easier to explore jazz progressions, create intricate arpeggios, and lay down complex rhythmic figures with ease. The tuning's structure encourages melodic and harmonic exploration within the D minor mode and its relatives, offering a fresh perspective for composition and improvisation.

Technical Analysis

Compared to standard EADGBe tuning, the "Dm9 Harmonizer" (D2-A2-F3-C4-A3-E4) features several significant alterations to achieve its unique sonic profile. The base instrument is a standard Guitar, but its tuning has been profoundly altered:

• The 6th string (Low E) is tuned down a whole step (-2 semitones) from E2 to D2, establishing the root of the open Dm9 chord.
• The 5th string (A) remains at A2, serving as the perfect 5th of D.
• The 4th string (D) is tuned up three semitones (+3 semitones) from D3 to F3, providing the crucial minor 3rd of D.
• The 3rd string (G) sees a significant upward adjustment of five semitones (+5 semitones) from G3 to C4, which forms the minor 7th of D.
• The 2nd string (B) is tuned down a whole step (-2 semitones) from B3 to A3, offering the perfect 5th of D an octave higher than the 5th string.
• The 1st string (High E) remains at E4, providing the 9th of D (or major 2nd).

The intervallic relationships between the open strings are D-A (Perfect 5th), A-F (Minor 6th), F-C (Perfect 5th), C-A (Minor 6th), A-E (Perfect 5th). This arrangement, with its recurring perfect 5ths and minor 6ths (or their inversions/relative intervals), creates a harmonically rich and somewhat symmetrical landscape across different string sets. The strategic placement of the A (5th) and E (9th) notes across different octaves also contributes to the full, ringing quality of the open Dm9 chord, allowing for easy arpeggiation and sustained harmonic textures. This tuning is optimized for fluid movement within D minor and related modes, making it an excellent choice for exploring jazz and contemporary music with an emphasis on lush seventh and ninth chords.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe Tuning)

Follow these steps to tune your guitar to the Dm9 Harmonizer (D2 A2 F3 C4 A3 E4). Remember to always tune slowly and carefully.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard E2 to D2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; there is no change (0 semitones) from its standard A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 3 semitones from its standard D3 to F3. Please take care when tuning up this string, as increased tension can be risky.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 5 semitones from its standard G3 to C4. A different gauge string is strongly advised for this significant upward tension to prevent string breakage and potential neck issues.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard B3 to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; there is no change (0 semitones) from its standard E4.

General Advice: When making significant tuning changes (especially tuning up by 4 or more semitones, or down by 5 or more), consider using alternative string gauges to maintain proper string tension and avoid potential string breakage or neck damage. Always tune slowly and carefully, and if unsure, consult a professional luthier.