Tuning Analysis: Mirror Tuning: Deep G Minor Seventh

This deeply resonant and unique tuning, named "Mirror Tuning: Deep G Minor Seventh", is part of the innovative Mirror Tuning® variations invented by Senchant in 2015. As described by its creator, "This is the lowest of 5 Mirror Tuning® variations for steel string guitars w a 25.5" scale length." It offers a profound departure from conventional tunings, providing a vast new sonic landscape for exploration. The extreme drops on the lower strings create a powerful, almost baritone foundation, while the upper strings are tuned up to provide a contrasting brightness and tension, resulting in an exceptionally wide dynamic and harmonic range.

Technical Breakdown

The open strings are tuned to G1-D2-A#3-F3-C4-G4. Enharmonically, A#3 is equivalent to Bb3. Therefore, the tuning can be accurately represented as G-D-Bb-F-C-G. Analyzing the intervals relative to the lowest G (String 6):

• String 6 (G1): Root (G)
• String 5 (D2): Perfect 5th from G
• String 4 (A#3/Bb3): Minor 3rd from G
• String 3 (F3): Minor 7th from G
• String 2 (C4): Perfect 4th from G
• String 1 (G4): Octave from G

The open string notes effectively form a G minor 7th chord (G-Bb-D-F) with an added perfect 4th (C), giving it a G minor 7th suspended 4th voicing (G-D-Bb-F-C-G). This complex structure immediately imparts a rich, often melancholic, bluesy, or jazzy character, making it an excellent choice for ambient music, experimental compositions, or deep, resonant rhythm work.

Open Chords & Melodic Possibilities

With the open tuning sounding a G minor 7th sus4 chord, players can immediately access a complex, full-bodied sound simply by strumming all open strings. The prominent minor 3rd (Bb) and minor 7th (F) give the tuning its characteristic minor flavor, while the C adds a sophisticated suspension. The strong G-D-G relationship on strings 6, 5, and 1 provides a stable root and fifth foundation across multiple octaves.

While traditional chord shapes will be recontextualized due to the unique intervals, new and intriguing voicings emerge, ripe for creative exploration:

• Open G Minor 7th sus4: The entire open tuning itself.
• G Minor 7th (Implied): By gently muting or avoiding string 2 (C4), a strong G minor 7th (G-D-Bb-F-G) can be emphasized.
• Movable Barre Chords: Barring across all strings at any given fret will produce a complex chord. For instance, a barre at the 5th fret would yield C-G-Eb-Bb-F-C, effectively a C minor 7th sus4, demonstrating a consistent movable chord pattern across the fretboard. This allows for easy transposition of the open chord shape.
• Power Chords & Drones: The extremely low G and D on strings 6 and 5 are perfect for creating massive power chords or using the low G as a powerful, sustained drone for melodic exploration on the higher strings.
• Melodic Runs: The distinct intervals between adjacent strings (Perfect 4th from 6 to 5, Minor 3rd from 5 to 4, Perfect 4th from 4 to 3, Perfect 5th from 3 to 2, Perfect 4th from 2 to 1) offer unique fingerings for scales and arpeggios, opening up new melodic phrasing opportunities distinct from standard tuning.

How to Tune

Please be aware that some of these string movements are significant. For optimal tone, tension, and to prevent string breakage, it is highly recommended to consider using an appropriate gauge string set for this tuning, especially for the heavily dropped or significantly raised strings.

• String 6 (Low E String): Tune down 9 semitones to G1. This is a very substantial drop. A much heavier gauge string set is strongly advised to maintain proper playability, intonation, and tone.
• String 5 (A String): Tune down 7 semitones to D2. Another significant drop. A heavier gauge string set is strongly advised to avoid overly loose tension.
• String 4 (D String): Tune down 4 semitones to A#3. This is a considerable drop; a heavier gauge string would be beneficial for better tension, sustain, and overall sound quality.
• String 3 (G String): Tune down 2 semitones to F3. This is a moderate adjustment and generally manageable with standard string gauges.
• String 2 (B String): Tune up 1 semitones to C4. This is a minor adjustment and should be safe with standard string gauges.
• String 1 (High E String): Tune up 3 semitones to G4. This is a notable increase in tension. While possible with standard gauges, exercise care when tuning up and consider a slightly lighter gauge string if you experience undue tension or frequent breakage.

String 6 (Lowest E String): G1

String 5 (A String): D2

String 4 (D String): A#3

String 3 (G String): F3

String 2 (B String): C4

String 1 (Highest E String): G4