The 'am' tuning, despite its name not directly aligning with an A minor chord, offers a rich and open sonic landscape centered around the notes C, G, and D. This tuning can be interpreted as a C5(add9) chord (C-G-D) or a Gsus4 chord (G-C-D) with a low D as the root, or even a Dsus4(add♭7) (D-G-C). Its open, ringing quality makes it particularly well-suited for folk, ambient, drone, and even some rock music styles, providing a wide harmonic canvas.

Technical Analysis

The open strings D2-C3-G2-C4-G3-C4 create an interesting and resonant voicing. The lowest note, D2, provides a strong, deep foundation. The notes present are C, G, and D, distributed across the strings. When played open, the tuning forms a resonant blend, with prominent perfect fifths (C-G) and perfect fourths (D-G), creating a harmonically rich sound. The unique arrangement facilitates easy drone playing and allows for creative melodic exploration over a sustained harmonic base. Chords like C major, G major, and D minor/major variations will feel natural to explore, especially those built around the C-G-D triad or sus chords.

Important Tuning Considerations

Several strings in this tuning require significant tension changes from standard EADGBe. String 4 (D standard) is tuned down 7 semitones, String 3 (G standard) is tuned up 5 semitones, String 2 (B standard) is tuned down 4 semitones, and String 1 (high E standard) is tuned down 4 semitones. Tuning up or down by 4 or more semitones can put considerable stress on your guitar neck and bridge, and also on the strings themselves. For optimal playability and to prevent potential damage, it is highly recommended to consider a different string gauge set, specifically designed for these types of significant pitch alterations, especially for the strings tuned up 5 semitones or down 7 semitones.

How to Tune

• 6th String (Low E Standard): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A Standard): Tune up 3 semitones to C3.
• 4th String (D Standard): Tune down 7 semitones to G2. (Caution: Significant change; a heavier string gauge is advised to prevent floppiness and maintain intonation.)
• 3rd String (G Standard): Tune up 5 semitones to C4. (Caution: Significant change; a lighter string gauge may be advised to prevent breakage and excessive tension.)
• 2nd String (B Standard): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. (Caution: A heavier string gauge is advised.)
• 1st String (High E Standard): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. (Caution: A heavier string gauge is advised.)

6th String: D2 (tuned down 2 semitones from standard E2)

5th String: C3 (tuned up 3 semitones from standard A2)

4th String: G2 (tuned down 7 semitones from standard D3)

3rd String: C4 (tuned up 5 semitones from standard G3)

2nd String: G3 (tuned down 4 semitones from standard B3)

1st String: C4 (tuned down 4 semitones from standard E4)