This intriguing tuning, which we've named the D Minor Six-Nine Tuning, offers a rich and somewhat melancholic yet sophisticated sound, perfect for exploring a wide range of musical expressions from blues and jazz to ambient and cinematic soundscapes.

Verbal Analysis

The open strings D2, B2, D3, F3, B3, E4 immediately present a full D minor sound, extended by the prominent major 6th (B) and major 9th (E). This creates a complex Dm6/9 chord when strummed open, providing a resonant and harmonically rich foundation. The repeated D and B notes across multiple octaves facilitate easy droning and sympathetic resonance, enhancing the sustain and depth of the tuning. This makes it particularly effective for fingerstyle playing where individual notes can ring out and blend. Chords related to D minor (Dm, Dm6, Dm9) will feel natural and full, often requiring simpler fingerings than in standard tuning. The presence of F (minor third) and E (major second/ninth) allows for both minor and suspended qualities to emerge with minimal effort. Barre chords will take on unique voicings due to the altered open string intervals, opening up fresh harmonic possibilities and inspiring new melodic ideas. Shapes around D minor, F major (especially with the B and E), and B diminished might be readily accessible or produce interesting voicings, inviting players to experiment with unconventional chord forms.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is specifically designed for a Guitar. The open string notes, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st), are: D2, B2, D3, F3, B3, E4. Analyzing the intervals from the lowest D string (D2):

• String 6 (D2): Root
• String 5 (B2): Major 6th
• String 4 (D3): Octave
• String 3 (F3): Minor 3rd
• String 2 (B3): Octave of the Major 6th
• String 1 (E4): Major 9th

The tuning has a unique interval structure. The lowest three strings (D-B-D) create a powerful open resonance, hinting at a Dsus2 or a D major with an added 6th if the F wasn't present. However, the D-F-B across the middle strings strongly suggests a D diminished triad component (D-F-Ab would be diminished, but with B it's a D minor with a major 6th). The overall D-F-B-E voicing forms a rich Dm6/9 chord. The consistent presence of D and B notes across multiple octaves creates a natural 'drone' effect, enhancing the sustain and depth, making this a very full-sounding open tuning.

How to Tune

To achieve the D Minor Six-Nine Tuning, follow these precise adjustments from standard E Standard tuning. Please exercise caution when tuning up strings, and consider a different gauge string if movements exceed 4 semitones up or down.

• String 6 (Low E to D): Tune down 2 semitones. This is a moderate drop, generally safe for standard gauge strings.
• String 5 (A to B): Tune up 2 semitones. This is a moderate increase. While usually acceptable for standard gauge strings, always be mindful of string tension.
• String 4 (D to D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains at its standard D tuning.
• String 3 (G to F): Tune down 2 semitones. This is a moderate drop, typically safe for standard gauge strings.
• String 2 (B to B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains at its standard B tuning.
• String 1 (High E to E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains at its standard E tuning.