Verbal Description

This unique tuning, aptly named "Open D Minor with E," crafts a rich and melancholic soundscape by combining a traditional D minor tonality with a deep, resonant E bass. Unlike a pure open D minor tuning (which typically starts with D), this configuration retains the standard low E and A strings. This provides a strong harmonic foundation and versatility for bass lines or power chords, while the higher strings coalesce into an inviting D minor chord. It allows for immediate access to D minor voicings and facilitates an intuitive approach to songwriting in this key, offering a blend of familiar bass notes with a fresh, emotive top end.

Technical Analysis

Starting from standard EADGBe tuning, the modifications are:

• The 6th (low E), 5th (A), and 4th (D) strings remain in their standard pitch (E2, A2, D3 respectively).
• The 3rd string is tuned down 2 semitones from G3 to F3.
• The 2nd string is tuned down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• The 1st (high E) string is tuned down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

The open string notes are E2-A2-D3-F3-A3-D4. This configuration results in the top four strings (D3-F3-A3-D4) forming an open D minor chord (Root, m3, P5, Root octave). The retention of the E2 and A2 bass strings creates a harmonic landscape where the D minor chord is presented with either an A bass (A-D-F-A-D) or an E bass (E-A-D-F-A-D), offering interesting suspended or modal qualities. Open chords derived from this tuning naturally lean towards D minor, and sliding shapes up the fretboard will maintain the D minor intervals across the top four strings, making chord exploration intuitive within this key.

Open String Chords & Possibilities

• Strumming strings 4-3-2-1 (D-F-A-D) yields a pure D minor triad.
• Strumming strings 5-4-3-2-1 (A-D-F-A-D) provides a rich D minor chord with an A bass (Dm/A).
• Strumming all six open strings (E-A-D-F-A-D) creates a unique sound, interpretable as a D minor chord with an E bass (Dm/E), offering a darker, suspended quality.
• The consistent interval changes on the top three strings mean that common D minor scale shapes and arpeggios will feel natural and easily accessible across the fretboard.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve this "Open D Minor with E" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to E2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3. This is a moderate adjustment and generally safe for standard string gauges.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3. This is a moderate adjustment and generally safe for standard string gauges.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4. This is a moderate adjustment and generally safe for standard string gauges.

Note: All string adjustments are within a safe range for standard guitar string gauges. However, always exercise caution when tuning, especially with significant changes.

The open notes for this tuning are:

• String 6: E2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: F3
• String 2: A3
• String 1: D4