Tuning Analysis: Open Gm7

The Open Gm7 tuning is an exceptionally rich and soulful setup for your guitar, described by its creator as a minor variation of G Wahine for slack key fans. This tuning opens up a world of resonant harmonies and melodic possibilities, particularly suited for genres like slack key, blues, and folk, where a deep, sustained minor tonality is desired.

Technical Overview

The open strings are tuned to D2 G2 D3 F3 A#3 D4 (from low to high). When played open, these notes immediately form a clear and powerful G minor 7 (Gm7) chord. The notes present are G (string 5), Bb/A# (string 2), D (strings 6, 4, 1), and F (string 3). The root G is strongly supported by the bass D, while the multiple D notes create a lush, open drone, a hallmark of many slack key tunings.

This inherent Gm7 voicing makes it incredibly easy to play songs in G minor, offering full, ringing chords with minimal effort. You can achieve various inversions and related minor 7 chords by simply barring across frets or using simple two-finger shapes. For instance, moving this Gm7 shape up the neck allows for quick transitions to Cm7 (5th fret if string 5 is the root) or Dm7 (7th fret). The consistent D notes across the low, middle, and high registers provide a beautiful sympathetic resonance, enhancing sustain and harmonic depth. It encourages melodic phrasing that weaves through the open drones, creating a characteristic Hawaiian slack key sound.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open Gm7

To achieve the Open Gm7 tuning, follow these specific adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning:

• 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): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones from G3 to F3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone from B3 to A#3 (Bb3).
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

All string adjustments for this tuning are relatively minor, with no string being tuned up or down more than 2 semitones. This means that standard gauge strings should handle the tension changes without issue, providing a stable and comfortable playing experience. However, always exercise caution and tune slowly to allow your strings and guitar neck to adjust.

6th String (Low E): D2

5th String (A): G2

4th String (D): D3

3rd String (G): F3

2nd String (B): A#3 (Bb3)

1st String (High E): D4