Overview:

This unique guitar tuning, which we've named Gm9 Low D Drop Tuning, is inspired by the original 'Custom Gm9' and designed for players seeking "easy access to spicy extensions," as described in its original intent. It transforms your standard guitar into an instrument with a rich, dark, and harmonically complex open sound, ideal for jazz, fusion, ambient, or progressive styles.

Verbal Analysis:

The overall feel of this tuning is one of depth and sophistication. With the lowest string dropped to D, it provides a powerful, resonant foundation, akin to a low drone or pedal point. The core G minor 9 chord (G-Bb-D-F-A) is extensively present within the open strings, making it incredibly easy to voice rich, extended harmonies with minimal effort. The presence of A# (Bb) adds a distinctly minor flavor, while the F and A notes provide the minor 7th and 9th extensions, respectively. This allows for immediate access to complex jazz voicings, creating a sound that is both melancholy and intriguing. The irregular intervals between some strings also encourage experimental chord shapes and melodic exploration, moving beyond conventional guitar voicings.

Technical Analysis:

The Gm9 Low D Drop Tuning for Guitar sets the open strings to D2-G2-A3#-F3-A3-D4 (from lowest to highest). Let's break down the harmonic structure:

• The lowest string (6th string) is a D2, providing a deep root or fifth for many chords.
• The open strings form the notes: D, G, A# (Bb), F, A, D. This collection prominently features a G minor 9 chord (G-Bb-D-F-A), with the lowest D acting as the 5th of G, or a pedal tone. It also contains the notes of a D minor triad (D-F-A) with added G and Bb, creating a D minor 6/9 or D minor add11 feel.
• Intervalically, from the lowest D:
  • 6th String (D2): Root
  • 5th String (G2): Perfect 4th above D
  • 4th String (A3#): Minor 6th (or augmented 4th) above D
  • 3rd String (F3): Minor 3rd above D
  • 2nd String (A3): Perfect 5th above D
  • 1st String (D4): Octave above D

The tuning's configuration lends itself to:

• Open Chords: An open G minor 9 chord (G-Bb-D-F-A) can be easily formed, as well as variations of D minor with added color.
• Power Chords: The perfect fourth interval between the 6th (D) and 5th (G) strings facilitates powerful two-note chords, similar to Drop D tunings.
• Rich Voicings: The unique spacing of the strings encourages players to experiment with new fingerings, quickly discovering complex jazz and blues voicings that would be challenging in standard tuning. The inclusion of the A# (Bb) on the 4th string adds a distinctive modal flavor, perfect for exploring Dorian or Phrygian dominant scales.

Open String Notes:

• String 6 (Low E string): Tuned to D2
• String 5 (A string): Tuned to G2
• String 4 (D string): Tuned to A3# (A sharp / B flat)
• String 3 (G string): Tuned to F3
• String 2 (B string): Tuned to A3
• String 1 (High E string): Tuned to D4

How to Tune:

To achieve the Gm9 Low D Drop Tuning, you will need to adjust each string from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning as follows. Please exercise caution, especially with larger semitone movements, as these can affect string tension and potentially require a different string gauge for optimal playability and to prevent damage.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 4 semitones to A3#. Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. If you plan to use this tuning frequently, consider using a heavier gauge string for the 4th string to maintain proper tension and tone.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.