The F6/Dmin7 tuning is a sophisticated open tuning, essentially a variation of the C6 tuning often favored by lap steel players, but pitched in F, making it uniquely suited for electric guitar. It's an excellent choice for slide guitar, offering a rich, resonant foundation that makes melodic lines sing. Beyond its slide capabilities, this tuning opens up a world of dense, jazzy chords and allows for fluid, articulate playing.

Technical Analysis & Open Chords

This tuning is comprised of the notes F2-A2-C3-D3-F3-A3, from the 6th to the 1st string. Examining these open notes reveals two primary harmonic structures:

• When played openly, the strings produce an F6 chord (F-A-C-D). This is a bright, full, and somewhat nostalgic sound, perfect for vintage jazz, country, and Hawaiian styles.
• Re-interpreting the root, the same open strings also form a beautiful D minor 7th chord (D-F-A-C). This provides a darker, more sophisticated color, ideal for blues, jazz, and fusion genres.

The intervals between the strings are particularly interesting. From the lowest string up, we have a Major 3rd (F-A), Minor 3rd (A-C), Major 2nd (C-D), Minor 3rd (D-F), and another Major 3rd (F-A). This specific voicing creates a balanced, yet complex harmonic landscape that makes both single-note melodies and full chords sound incredibly rich. The presence of the D and F notes together also hints at a D minor tonality, while the F and A notes firmly establish the F major sound.

Chords Within Reach

Beyond the open F6/Dmin7, this tuning makes a variety of chords easily accessible:

• Barre Chords: By simply barring across a single fret, you can effortlessly transpose the F6/Dmin7 voicing up or down the neck, allowing for instant access to G6/Emin7 (1st fret), A6/F#min7 (3rd fret), and so on.
• Dominant 7th Chords: Modifying the Dmin7 voicing with a single finger can yield dominant 7th chords, crucial for jazz progressions.
• Major and Minor Triads: Simplified voicings of major and minor triads can be found across smaller groups of strings, providing flexibility for accompaniment.
• Slide Potential: The open chord makes it incredibly easy to play any F6 or Dmin7 based chord shape simply by sliding a barre or slide up and down the neck, maintaining perfect intonation for a given chord type.

How to Tune

To achieve the F6/Dmin7 tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-e tuning, follow these specific string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2. This is a minor adjustment.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. Caution: This is a significant drop. Consider a lighter gauge string if you frequently use this tuning to maintain proper tension.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 6 semitones from B3 to F3. Caution: This is a significant drop. A lighter gauge string is strongly advised for comfort and string life.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 7 semitones from E4 to A3. Caution: This is a very significant drop. A considerably lighter gauge string is recommended to prevent excessive slack and improve playability.

The substantial drops on the D, B, and high E strings (5, 6, and 7 semitones respectively) mean that standard gauge strings might feel very loose and exhibit poor intonation. For optimal playability and tone, especially if this becomes a primary tuning, investing in a custom lighter gauge set for these strings is highly recommended.

6th String: F2

5th String: A2

4th String: C3

3rd String: D3

2nd String: F3

1st String: A3