The "Russian guitar in Minor (Gypsy)" tuning offers a deep, melancholic sound, perfectly suited for the evocative melodies often found in gypsy music and traditional Russian guitar pieces. This unique setup transforms your guitar into a powerful instrument for minor key expression.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning is derived from the G minor version of a traditional Russian 7-string guitar tuning, which typically uses DGBDGBD (G major). By adjusting the string pitches, it moves into a minor key, resonating with the soulful character of gypsy music and early Russian guitar compositions. Unlike a 7-string, this tuning omits the high D (1st) string, simplifying the layout while maintaining its rich harmonic possibilities. A notable feature is its structure around two octaves of just three core notes (D, G, and A#), which makes memorizing scales and finding melodic patterns remarkably intuitive. The overall feel is one of depth and introspection, ideal for expressive solo work or accompaniment.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to D2, G2, A#3, D3, G3, A#4 (from the lowest to highest sounding string). This configuration effectively spells out a G minor triad (G-A#-D, where A# is enharmonically Bb) across multiple octaves. The open tuning itself forms a G minor chord, making it incredibly easy to play minor chords across the neck by simply barring a single fret. For instance, barring the 1st fret yields a G# minor chord, and the 2nd fret an A minor chord. The repeating pattern of D-G-A# makes transposing licks and understanding chord shapes straightforward, facilitating rapid improvisation within a minor key context. This structure lends itself well to both strumming and intricate fingerstyle arrangements, allowing for lush harmonies and resonant bass notes.

Open & Accessible Chords

• G Minor: The open strings naturally form a G minor chord (D-G-A#-D-G-A#), offering a powerful and resonant minor voicing without any fretting.
• Barre Minor Chords: Due to the consistent intervals, simply barring any fret across all strings will create a minor chord. For example, a single finger across all strings at the 3rd fret would yield a C minor chord.
• Sus2/Sus4 Variations: The prevalence of D and G notes provides a strong root and 5th/4th relationship, allowing for easy experimentation with suspended chords and melodic embellishments.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

Please note: Tuning down by more than 4 semitones or up by more than 4 semitones may require a different gauge string to maintain proper tension and intonation, and to prevent potential string breakage.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 4 semitones from D3 to B2. (Note: The target note specified for this string in the tuning is A#3. Tuning down 4 semitones is significant; consider string gauge.)
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. (Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is significant; consider lighter gauge strings.)
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones from B3 to G3. (Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is significant; consider lighter gauge strings.)
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 6 semitones from E4 to B3. (Note: The target note specified for this string in the tuning is A#4. Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is very significant; consider lighter gauge strings.)

6th String: D2

5th String: G2

4th String: A#3

3rd String: D3

2nd String: G3

1st String: A#4