The Alva Dean's Open Dm6 Tuning for Guitar offers a distinct and evocative sound palette, moving beyond traditional open tunings. While the original name might suggest an Open C tuning, and the creator mentions their tuner reading it as a C6 chord (C-A-C-E-G-C), the actual notes for this tuning, as provided, reveal a rich and melancholic Open D minor 6th chord, making it a unique canvas for songwriting and exploration. This tuning resonates with the creator's journey, described as 'fiddling around trying to tune to an open C and then forgetting what my 3rd and 2nd string were tuned at,' ultimately leading to this personalized sound used for over eight years under Alva Dean.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning provides an immediate and full D minor 6th chord (D-F-A-B) when strummed open, creating a sound that is both haunting and sophisticated. The prevalence of the root note 'D' across multiple octaves (6th, 4th, and 1st strings) ensures a powerful and resonant foundation. The inclusion of the B note (major 6th) adds a layer of jazz-like complexity and sweetness to the otherwise melancholic D minor triad. This makes it incredibly expressive for blues, folk, indie, and alternative styles where a rich, atmospheric texture is desired.

Chords are easily accessible through barring. A single finger barre across all six strings at any fret will yield a minor 6th chord (e.g., barring at the 2nd fret creates an E minor 6th chord, and at the 5th fret, a G minor 6th chord). Experimentation with two-finger shapes or partial barres will unlock a myriad of related minor and dominant 7th chords. The consistent D notes on the 6th, 4th, and 1st strings also make drone playing and slide guitar particularly effective, allowing for sustained root notes while melody lines are played on the inner strings.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the guitar strings to the following pitches from low to high: D2-B2-D3-F3-A3-D4. Let's break down the intervals relative to the root D:

• 6th String (D2): Root (Unison)
• 5th String (B2): Major 6th
• 4th String (D3): Octave
• 3rd String (F3): Minor 3rd
• 2nd String (A3): Perfect 5th
• 1st String (D4): Octave

The open strings collectively form a D minor 6th chord (D-F-A-B). The string movements required to achieve this tuning from standard EADGBe are generally moderate, ensuring good string tension and playability. All string movements are within 2 semitones up or down, which is well within safe limits for standard guitar strings and tension, minimizing the need for different string gauges.

Tuning Notes

Your guitar strings should be tuned to the following notes, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st):

• 6th String (Low E): D2
• 5th String (A): B2
• 4th String (D): D3
• 3rd String (G): F3
• 2nd String (B): A3
• 1st String (High E): D4

How to Tune

To achieve the Alva Dean's Open Dm6 Tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps carefully. The standard tuning reference for each string is provided in parentheses.

• 6th String (Standard E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (Standard A): Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
• 4th String (Standard D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (Standard G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• 2nd String (Standard B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (Standard High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

All string adjustments are within a safe range of 2 semitones or less, so standard string gauges should be suitable. Always tune carefully and gradually to avoid string breakage.