This captivating 7-string tuning, aptly named "B Minor 9th," is inspired by Erik Mongrain's "Pandora's Box," featured on his second album, Equilibrium (2008). It offers a rich, resonant sound that feels both expansive and deeply expressive. The addition of a low F# string significantly extends the guitar's harmonic range, providing a profound bass foundation that complements the complex upper voicings. It truly sounds "yummer," as described, delivering a full, almost orchestral quality, perfect for intricate fingerstyle, ambient soundscapes, and jazz-infused compositions. The open quality of the tuning invites creative arpeggios and melodic exploration.

Technical Analysis

The open strings of this 7-string tuning are:

• String 7: F#2
• String 6: B1
• String 5: F#3
• String 4: D3
• String 3: F#4
• String 2: A3
• String 1: C#5

Arranging these notes from lowest to highest, we get: B1, F#2, D3, F#3, A3, F#4, C#5. This arrangement clearly spells out a B Minor 9th (Bm9) chord: B (root), D (minor third), F# (perfect fifth), A (minor seventh), C# (major ninth). The open tuning provides this lush chord as a natural resonance. Furthermore, the tuning is structured with a prominent F# bass note (String 7) and octave F# notes on strings 5 and 3, creating a strong F# drone or pedal tone effect. This makes the open tuning effectively a Bm9/F# voicing, giving it a stable, grounding feel despite its rich harmonic complexity.

Chord Possibilities

The inherent Bm9 chord makes this tuning ideal for pieces centered around B minor:

• Open Chords: The full Bm9 chord is available by simply strumming all open strings (or a selection for different voicings). The F# root on String 7 provides a powerful bass, making the Bm9/F# readily accessible.
• Minor Triads: The B-D-F# (Bm) triad is present across several string groupings, making it easy to form B minor chords with minimal effort. For instance, strings 6-4-5 (B-D-F#) or 6-4-3 (B-D-F#) offer these fundamental shapes.
• Intervals: The wide intervals between the low strings (F#2-B1 is a perfect 4th, B1-F#3 is a perfect 5th) lend themselves to rich, open voicings and power chords. The consistent F# across octaves (Strings 7, 5, 3) allows for natural drones and sustained harmonics, enhancing the tuning's atmospheric potential.
• Accessible Extensions: Due to the open minor 7th and 9th, many extended minor chords become highly reachable with minimal fretting, opening doors for sophisticated jazz and fusion voicings. Simple finger placements can yield variations like Bm7, Bm9, and even more exotic voicings by shifting common shapes.
• Melodic Lines: The repetitive F# notes and the overall intervallic structure are conducive to melodic playing, where notes can ring out against each other, creating intricate counterpoint and arpeggiated patterns.

To achieve the "B Minor 9th" tuning, follow these specific string adjustments. Please exercise caution with significant changes in pitch, especially those requiring tuning up, as this can increase string tension considerably. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, a different string gauge may be advisable for optimal playability and string longevity.

• String 7 (Low F#2): Tune down 5 semitones. This is a significant drop from standard. Considering a different gauge string for optimal tension and playability is advised.
• String 6 (B1): Tune down 5 semitones. This is a significant drop from standard. Considering a different gauge string for optimal tension and playability is advised.
• String 5 (F#3): Tune down 3 semitones. Take care when making this adjustment.
• String 4 (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (F#4): Tune down 1 semitones.
• String 2 (A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (C#5): Tune down 3 semitones. Take care when making this adjustment.