Tuning Overview: Em9 for 7-String Guitar

This is a rich and expressive open Em9 tuning specifically designed for a 7-string guitar. Strumming the open strings immediately conjures a sophisticated E minor ninth chord, making it an excellent choice for genres like jazz, ambient, fusion, or progressive metal where complex harmonies are desired. The tuning provides a deep, resonant foundation with a bright, extended top end, offering a full sonic palette for creative exploration.

Technical Analysis

The tuning from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st) string is E2-G2-B2-D3-F#4-B3-E4. These notes correspond precisely to the intervals of an E minor ninth chord:

• E (Root)
• G (Minor Third)
• B (Perfect Fifth)
• D (Minor Seventh)
• F# (Major Ninth)

The tuning features octave doublings of E (E2, E4) and B (B2, B3), which adds to the chord's fullness and sustain. The significant jump from D3 on the 4th string to F#4 on the 3rd string creates a wide, open voicing, giving the chord a particularly spacious and harmonically dense character.

Chords and Playability

This open tuning naturally lends itself to a variety of chordal possibilities:

• Open Em9: As designed, simply strumming all open strings delivers a complete Em9 chord.
• Open Em7: By gently muting or avoiding the 3rd string (F#4), you can achieve an Em7 chord.
• Open Em: Focusing on the E, G, B notes (e.g., strings 7, 6, 5, 2, 1) provides a robust E minor triad.
• Barre Chords: Moving this entire shape up the fretboard with a barre will instantly create minor 9th chords based on the new root. For instance, a barre at the 3rd fret would yield a Gm9, at the 5th fret an Am9, and so on.
• Partial Voicings: The intervallic relationships also allow for easy access to Em7, Gmaj7, Bm, Dmaj7, and F#dim chords through partial barres or specific fingerings. The consistent Em9 structure makes exploring related harmonies intuitive.

Tuning Notes

The E minor ninth (Em9) tuning for your 7-string guitar sets your strings to the following pitches:

• 7th String (Lowest): E2
• 6th String: G2
• 5th String: B2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: F#4
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String (Highest): E4

How to Tune Your Guitar

Follow these steps to set up your 7-string guitar in Em9 tuning. Please pay close attention to the indicated semitone changes.

• 7th String: Tune up 5 semitones to E2. Important Caution: Tuning up by 5 semitones is a significant increase in string tension. It is strongly advised to use a heavier gauge string for the 7th string to prevent breakage and ensure optimal playability and tone.
• 6th String: Tune up 3 semitones to G2. Please exercise caution as this is a notable increase in string tension.
• 5th String: Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
• 4th String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String: Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• 2nd String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• 1st String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.