About the Amin7 Tuning

This custom tuning, aptly named Amin7, is configured for a standard 6-string Guitar, though it specifically details the tuning for strings 5 through 1 (the A string through the high E string). It delivers a profoundly rich and resonant A minor 7 chord when strummed open, establishing an excellent harmonic foundation for genres such as blues, jazz, funk, and contemporary rock where a deep, harmonically dense voicing is desired.

Verbal Analysis

The Amin7 tuning provides an instant, full A minor 7 chord simply by strumming the open strings. This creates an immediate and immersive sonic canvas, ideal for exploring modal melodies, intricate fingerstyle arrangements, or robust rhythmic backing. The consistent and significant down-tuning across all strings contributes to a noticeably looser string tension and a darker, more profound tonal quality, which can be highly inspiring for players seeking to expand their harmonic palette. The lower overall pitch range of this tuning encourages a playing style that naturally gravitates towards the guitar's mid-to-lower registers, offering a thick, powerful, and bass-heavy presence.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to E2-A2-C3-G3-A3, from the 5th (A) string to the 1st (high E) string. This arrangement precisely outlines an A minor 7 chord (A-C-E-G), with the lowest E2 serving as the fifth in the bass, and the A3 reinforcing the root an octave higher. The intervallic structure from String 5 to String 1 is as follows:

• String 5 (E2) to String 4 (A2): A Perfect 4th interval.
• String 4 (A2) to String 3 (C3): A Minor 3rd interval.
• String 3 (C3) to String 2 (G3): A Perfect 4th interval.
• String 2 (G3) to String 1 (A3): A Major 2nd interval.

This unique combination of intervals, particularly the paired Perfect 4ths separated by a Minor 3rd, offers distinctive melodic and chordal possibilities. The open tuning itself is a comprehensive A minor 7 chord voicing.

Chords & Playability

• Open Chord: The most striking feature of this tuning is the immediate A minor 7 chord produced when all specified strings are strummed open. This provides an instant harmonic backdrop for improvisation or songwriting.
• Barre Chords: Due to the specific intervallic layout, a single-finger barre across all five active strings at any fret will consistently produce a minor 7 chord rooted on the 4th string, with its 5th in the bass. For example, barring at the 2nd fret (F# on the 5th string) yields a B minor 7 chord (F#-B-D-A-B). This simplifies playing minor 7 chords across the fretboard.
• Power Chords: The Perfect 4th intervals between strings 5 & 4 (E-A) and strings 3 & 2 (C-G) facilitate the easy formation of strong 2-string power chords by fretting these adjacent pairs on the same fret.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Amin7

This tuning necessitates significant down-tuning across all specified strings from standard EADGBe tuning. Please proceed with caution and utilize a reliable electronic tuner. For string drops exceeding 4 semitones, it is strongly advised to consider using a heavier gauge string set to maintain optimal string tension, intonation, and playability.

• String 5 (A string): Starting from its standard A2, tune down 5 semitones to E2. (This is a significant drop; exercise care during tuning.)
• String 4 (D string): Starting from its standard D3, tune down 5 semitones to A2. (This is a significant drop; exercise care during tuning.)
• String 3 (G string): Starting from its standard G3, tune down 7 semitones to C3. (This is a very substantial drop; heavier gauge strings are highly recommended.)
• String 2 (B string): Starting from its standard B3, tune down 4 semitones to G3. (This is a significant drop; exercise care during tuning.)
• String 1 (High E string): Starting from its standard E4, tune down 7 semitones to A3. (This is a very substantial drop; heavier gauge strings are highly recommended.)

Here's a detailed breakdown of each string's tuning and its specific harmonic role within the open Amin7 chord:

• String 5 (A string): Tuned down 5 semitones from A2 to E2. This note provides the 5th (E) of the A minor 7 chord, laying a deep and resonant bass foundation for the tuning.
• String 4 (D string): Tuned down 5 semitones from D3 to A2. This is the fundamental root (A) of the A minor 7 chord, firmly establishing the tuning's key and character.
• String 3 (G string): Tuned down 7 semitones from G3 to C3. This crucial note provides the minor third (C), which is essential in defining the minor quality of the open chord.
• String 2 (B string): Tuned down 4 semitones from B3 to G3. This note contributes the minor seventh (G), completing the dominant 7th quality of the chord and adding harmonic richness.
• String 1 (High E string): Tuned down 7 semitones from E4 to A3. This note reinforces the root (A) an octave higher than the 4th string, adding brightness and a sense of completeness to the overall chord voicing.