This is the Open Bm7 tuning for a 7-string guitar, as described. It's an expansive and rich tuning designed to provide a full B minor 7th chord when strummed open, with a particular voicing that extends its sonic range. The `tuning_description` refers to it as "Open Bm7 with an added 5th for a 7 string", which accurately reflects the presence of the B minor 7 chord (B, D, F#, A) across the strings, prominently featuring the F# (the 5th) in the lowest register.

Verbal Analysis

Imagine a deep, resonant minor chord with a haunting yet soulful quality. This tuning delivers that by offering the B minor 7th chord as an open voicing. The lowest string is tuned to F#2, which is the fifth of B minor, making the open chord sound like a Bm7/F#. This creates a strong, foundational bass note that adds depth and definition. Strumming all open strings yields a full, complex Bm7 sound, perfect for ambient textures, bluesy riffs, or heavy, low-tuned metal. The arrangement of notes allows for easy access to power chords by barring across certain frets, and the minor 7th interval is readily available, making this a fantastic tuning for jazz, funk, or even classical pieces that demand a melancholic or dramatic feel. The presence of multiple B, D, and F# notes across the strings provides many opportunities for ringing drones and harmonically rich voicings.

Technical Analysis

The `tuning_notes` for this 7-string setup are, from lowest to highest: F#2, B1, D2, B2, F#4, A3, D4. This arrangement provides a complete B minor 7th chord (B - D - F# - A) across the open strings. Specifically:

• String 7: F#2 (5th of B minor)
• String 6: B1 (Root)
• String 5: D2 (minor 3rd)
• String 4: B2 (Root, octave higher than String 6)
• String 3: F#4 (5th of B minor, two octaves higher than String 7)
• String 2: A3 (minor 7th)
• String 1: D4 (minor 3rd, two octaves higher than String 5)

This unique voicing creates a rich open chord with a prominent low F#. This tuning is particularly conducive to slide guitar or open string drone playing due to the consonant intervals present. Barre chords will naturally yield variations of B minor 7th or related dominant chords. Due to the significant down-tuning required for strings 7, 6, and 5 (5, 5, and 7 semitones respectively), a heavier gauge string set is highly recommended for these strings to maintain optimal tension, intonation, and playability, reducing fret buzz and ensuring a clear tone. Strings 4, 3, 2, and 1 have more moderate down-tunings and may fare well with standard gauges, though a balanced custom set would be ideal for the entire guitar.

How to Tune to Open Bm7

To achieve the Open Bm7 tuning for your 7-string guitar, follow these instructions for each string, starting from the lowest (thickest) string to the highest (thinnest). Please exercise caution when adjusting string tension.

• String 7 (Lowest): Tune to F#2. This requires you to tune down 5 semitones. Given this is a significant drop of 5 semitones, we strongly advise considering a heavier gauge string to maintain proper tension and intonation.
• String 6: Tune to B1. This requires you to tune down 5 semitones. As with String 7, a drop of 5 semitones suggests a heavier gauge string would be beneficial for stability and tone.
• String 5: Tune to D2. This requires you to tune down 7 semitones. This is a substantial drop of 7 semitones (a perfect fifth). A much heavier gauge string is highly recommended to prevent looseness, fret buzz, and poor intonation.
• String 4: Tune to B2. This requires you to tune down 3 semitones.
• String 3: Tune to F#4. This requires you to tune down 1 semitones.
• String 2: Tune to A3. This requires you to tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune to D4. This requires you to tune down 2 semitones.