About Open G minor 11th Tuning

The "Open G minor 11th" tuning is a distinctive and evocative variation on the well-known Open G minor setup. As described in its definition, the first string is further lowered, creating a rich and complex G minor eleventh chord when strummed open. This tuning offers a unique palette for guitarists, leaning towards melancholic, bluesy, or even ambient soundscapes.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning immediately presents a full, dark, and resonant sound upon an open strum. The prominent G minor tonality is deepened by the presence of the 11th (C), giving it a sophisticated, jazzy, or contemporary feel, rather than a simple minor triad. It invites a drone-like playing style, where the open strings provide a powerful harmonic bed for melodies or single-note lines. It's particularly well-suited for blues, folk, or alternative rock where a deep, brooding atmosphere is desired. The lower register is incredibly rich, making it excellent for slide guitar or heavy, resonant strumming.

Technical Analysis

Let's break down the open string notes:

• Low D (D2): The lowest string provides a strong perfect 5th to the root G, grounding the chord.
• G (G2): The root of the tuning, offering a deep foundation.
• D (D3): Another perfect 5th, adding strength and resonance to the G minor chord.
• G (G3): An octave above the G2, reinforcing the root.
• A# (A4#): This note functions as the minor third (Bb) relative to G, providing the characteristic minor quality. (Note: When tuning a standard B3 string down 1 semitone, the resulting pitch is A#3/Bb3. The A4# in the tuning notes implies a starting string an octave higher than standard, or a very light gauge string to reach this pitch with standard string tension.)
• C (C4): The perfect 4th above G, acting as the 11th in a G minor chord. This note is crucial for the "11th" designation.

When strummed open, the combination of D-G-D-G-A#-C forms a powerful G minor (add11) chord (G - Bb - D - C, with octave doublings). While a full G minor 11th chord typically includes the minor 7th (F) and the 9th (A), this open tuning strongly implies the minor 11th harmony due to the presence of G, Bb, D, and C.

The shape of this tuning, with its open 5th (D-G-D-G) on the lower strings, makes it incredibly friendly for creating drone-based music. Simple barre chords across all six strings can be used to transpose the G minor 11th voicing up the fretboard, yielding various minor 11th voicings (e.g., barring at the 5th fret would produce a C minor 11th equivalent). Moving a single finger or two can easily transform the open chord into other related minor or suspended harmonies, opening up creative possibilities without complex fingerings.

How to Tune to Open G minor 11th

To achieve the Open G minor 11th tuning (D-G-D-G-A#-C), start from standard guitar tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and follow these instructions for each string. Pay close attention to the semitone adjustments. Please note that significant downward tuning may result in looser string tension.

• 6th String (Low E) to D2: Tune down 2 semitones from standard E2.
• 5th String (A) to G2: Tune down 2 semitones from standard A2.
• 4th String (D) to D3: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from standard D3.
• 3rd String (G) to G3: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from standard G3.
• 2nd String (B) to A4#: Tune down 1 semitone from standard B3. This movement typically results in A#3/Bb3. The target note A4# as specified in the tuning notes implies a starting string an octave higher than standard, or a very light gauge string would be advisable to achieve A4# without excessive tension.
• 1st String (High E) to C4: Tune down 4 semitones from standard E4. While within the practical range for many standard string gauges, a lighter string might offer improved tension and tone stability due to the significant drop.