Tuning Overview: D Minor Open Buzzard

This unique guitar tuning, which we've named D Minor Open Buzzard, presents a deep and resonant sonic landscape. Derived from a "buzzard configuration" as described in its original intent, this tuning achieves a D minor chord on the open strings using only natural notes (D, F, A). It moves away from standard EADGBE to offer a distinct feel, perfect for genres that thrive on rich drones, melancholic textures, and accessible modal playing, such as blues, folk, rock, and even heavier styles.

Technical Analysis

The open string configuration for D Minor Open Buzzard is D2 F2 A2 D3 A3 F4, from the lowest to the highest string. This arrangement creates an immediate D minor chord (D-F-A) with the open strings, making it incredibly intuitive for playing in D minor.

The intervals from the low D (6th string) are:

• 6th String (D2): Root
• 5th String (F2): Minor Third
• 4th String (A2): Perfect Fifth
• 3rd String (D3): Octave
• 2nd String (A3): Perfect Fifth
• 1st String (F4): Minor Third (an octave above the 5th string's F)

The repeated D, F, and A notes across the fretboard provide excellent opportunities for creating full, harmonically rich voicings and drones. Sliding a single finger or a barre across any fret will instantly yield a minor chord based on that fret's root. For example, barring all strings at the 3rd fret would give you an F minor chord (F Ab C F C Ab). The presence of two Fs and two As, along with the two Ds, allows for a very open and ringing sound, characteristic of many open tunings. Chords like D minor, F major (the relative major), and C major (by finding the C root) become very accessible with simplified fingerings due to the consistent intervals. This tuning encourages exploration of melodic lines against a sustained harmonic background.

How to Tune Your Guitar to D Minor Open Buzzard

To achieve the D Minor Open Buzzard tuning from standard EADGBE, follow these precise string movements:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A String): Tune down 4 semitones to F2. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop; lighter gauge strings may feel very loose. Consider a heavier gauge string set if this tuning is used frequently.)
• 4th String (D String): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant drop; lighter gauge strings may feel very loose. Consider a heavier gauge string set if this tuning is used frequently.)
• 3rd String (G String): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant drop; lighter gauge strings may feel very loose. Consider a heavier gauge string set if this tuning is used frequently.)
• 2nd String (B String): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 1 semitone to F4.

Important Note on String Gauges: When tuning strings more than 4 semitones up or down from their standard tension, it's generally recommended to consider using a different gauge string set. Tuning significantly down can result in very loose strings and intonation issues, while tuning significantly up risks string breakage and excessive neck tension. For this tuning, the 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings undergo substantial detuning, so a heavier gauge set might improve playability and tone.

String 6: D2 (The lowest string, tuned two semitones down from standard E, establishing the D root.)

String 5: F2 (Tuned four semitones down from standard A, providing the minor third of the D minor chord.)

String 4: A2 (Tuned five semitones down from standard D, providing the perfect fifth of the D minor chord.)

String 3: D3 (Tuned five semitones down from standard G, offering the octave D.)

String 2: A3 (Tuned two semitones down from standard B, providing another perfect fifth.)

String 1: F4 (The highest string, tuned one semitone up from standard E, completing the D minor chord with another minor third.)