Open A minor with low D

This is a distinctive 7-string Guitar tuning, specifically titled "Open A minor with low D". As its name suggests and its description confirms, the low D string is engineered to serve as a foundational drone or bass, providing an excellent anchor point, particularly when employing a 5th fret bar position on the higher strings.

Technical Analysis & Playability

The open strings are tuned to D2, E2, A2, E3, A3, C4, E4. This arrangement immediately establishes a robust A minor triad (A-C-E), with the notes distributed across the E2, A2, E3, A3, C4, and E4 strings. The lowest string, D2, adds a rich, resonant drone that expands the harmonic possibilities, allowing for modal approaches or providing a strong foundation for a D minor tonality.

Verbally, strumming all open strings produces a full, harmonically rich sound that prominently features the A minor chord, complemented by the deep, resonant D drone. This sonic density makes it particularly effective for powerful rhythmic accompaniment, intricate fingerstyle passages, or heavy, sustained riffs. The strategic repetition of E and A notes across different octaves creates a natural, shimmering fullness akin to a built-in chorus effect.

A key strength of this tuning, as highlighted in its description, lies in its support for a 5th fret bar. When strings 6 through 1 are barred at the 5th fret, while allowing the 7th string (D2) to ring open, the resulting open notes become D2 (open), A2, D3, A3, D4, F4, A4. This configuration produces a clear and full D minor chord, with the low D string seamlessly integrating as a powerful root and drone. This provides an immediate and accessible D minor harmonic context, making it an excellent tuning for exploring compositions in D minor with a unique and resonant voicing. Beyond this, basic A minor shapes are inherently present, and the open E and A strings facilitate easy transitions into related chords or pedal tones.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Open A minor with low D" tuning, apply the following adjustments. Note that these movements will lead you to the target notes, regardless of your standard 7-string starting configuration:

• String 7: Tune up 3 semitones to D2.
• String 6: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E2.
• String 5: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4: Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• String 3: Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• String 2: Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• String 1: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Important Note on String Gauge: When making tuning adjustments, particularly for extreme changes (tuning up or down by 5 or more semitones), considering a different string gauge is often recommended to maintain optimal string tension, tone, and to prevent potential string breakage or excessive slack. For this "Open A minor with low D" tuning, all string movements are within a moderate range. Therefore, standard string gauges should generally perform adequately without requiring special considerations.