Tuning Analysis: Open Bm9

This is the Open Bm9 tuning for a 7-string guitar, as described by its creator for your "skramz/emo needs." It's a deeply resonant and expressive tuning, designed to make complex minor 9th voicings readily available with open strings. All strings are tuned down, creating a very low tension feel that's perfect for heavy, sludgy riffs, atmospheric textures, and articulate chord work.

Verbal Observations

The Open Bm9 tuning immediately provides a rich, melancholic, and full B minor 9th chord when strummed open. The lowest note, B1 on the 6th string, anchors the entire tuning, giving it a powerful, dark foundation. The clever arrangement includes 'B' at two octaves (B1, B2) and 'F#' at two octaves (F#2, F#4), which creates a natural drone effect, significantly adding to the tuning's atmospheric potential. This setup is ideal for genres that demand a wall of sound or intricate, emotional chord progressions. Barre chords will effortlessly translate into various minor 9th, minor 7th, or even minor triads across the fretboard, making it easy to shift harmonic landscapes while retaining the characteristic Bm9 flavor. The lower overall string tension also makes for an expressive playing experience, with easier bends and a generally slinkier feel.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are F#2, B1, D2, B2, F#4, A3, C#5, from the thickest (7th) to the thinnest (1st). When arranged and analyzed, these notes unequivocally form a B minor 9th chord: B (root), D (minor third), F# (perfect fifth), A (minor seventh), C# (major ninth). The tuning primarily emphasizes these core components, making the full Bm9 chord accessible on open strings. The wide interval spread, especially the octave repetition of B and F#, and the leap from D2 to B2, creates interesting harmonic possibilities and unique voicings.

Due to the significant down-tuning across all strings, the overall string tension will be considerably lower than standard tunings. This contributes to the tuning's characteristic slinky feel and can facilitate string bending. However, it also means that a heavier gauge string set is highly advisable, especially for the 5th, 6th, and 7th strings, to maintain optimal playability, intonation, and prevent excessive fret buzz. Specifically, the 5th string (tuned down 7 semitones) is a prime candidate for a much thicker gauge to prevent it from feeling too loose or floppy.

How to Tune

To achieve the Open Bm9 tuning from a standard 7-string setup, carefully adjust each string as follows:

• 7th String: Tune down 5 semitones to F#2. ( Tune down 5 semitones ) Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension.
• 6th String: Tune down 5 semitones to B1. ( Tune down 5 semitones ) Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension.
• 5th String: Tune down 7 semitones to D2. ( Tune down 7 semitones ) Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a very significant change and strongly advises a much thicker string gauge to maintain tension and playability.
• 4th String: Tune down 3 semitones to B2. ( Tune down 3 semitones )
• 3rd String: Tune down 1 semitone to F#4. ( Tune down 1 semitones )
• 2nd String: Tune down 2 semitones to A3. ( Tune down 2 semitones )
• 1st String: Tune down 3 semitones to C#5. ( Tune down 3 semitones )

Here are the notes for each string in the Open Bm9 tuning, from the thickest (7th) to the thinnest (1st):

• 7th String: F#2
  
• 6th String: B1
  
• 5th String: D2
  
• 4th String: B2
  
• 3rd String: F#4
  
• 2nd String: A3
  
• 1st String: C#5