The G minor major 7 tuning for Guitar plunges your instrument into an exceptionally low and rich sonic landscape. As described, this tuning is essentially an F minor major 7 tuning shifted up two semitones, bringing it into a G context. It’s noted to be close to "Drop F1," which immediately signals a very deep, resonant sound, far below standard tuning.

Verbal Analysis:

This tuning is designed for depth and complexity. The lowest string, G1, is an entire octave and a half-step below the standard low E2, providing a massive foundation ideal for heavy genres, experimental soundscapes, or atmospheric textures. The open strings themselves form a G minor major 7 chord (G-D-F#-D-G-A#, where A# can be enharmonically considered Bb for the minor 3rd), making for an incredibly lush and dissonant-yet-resolving open sound. This harmonic density means that simply strumming the open strings will yield a sophisticated, full-bodied chord. The wide intervals between some strings, particularly D2 to F3# (16 semitones) and G3 to A4# (15 semitones), create a remarkably open and expansive feel, allowing individual notes to ring out with distinct character. This tuning encourages creative voicings and can make otherwise common chord shapes sound fresh and unique due to the shifted root and varied intervals.

Technical Analysis:

The open notes are:

• 6th String: G1 (extremely low, 9 semitones below standard E2)
• 5th String: D2 (7 semitones below standard A2)
• 4th String: F3# (8 semitones below standard D3)
• 3rd String: D3 (5 semitones below standard G3)
• 2nd String: G3 (4 semitones below standard B3)
• 1st String: A4# (6 semitones below standard E4)

Analyzing the intervals between adjacent strings:

• G1 to D2: Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• D2 to F3#: Compound Major 3rd (16 semitones – an octave plus a Major 3rd)
• F3# to D3: Descending Major 3rd (4 semitones down)
• D3 to G3: Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• G3 to A4#: Compound Minor 3rd (15 semitones – an octave plus a minor 3rd, assuming A# is Bb)

The harmonic content of the open strings (G, D, F#, A#) clearly aligns with the G minor major 7 chord (G-Bb-D-F#) if A# is interpreted as Bb. The extreme downtuning on all strings (ranging from 4 to 9 semitones down) necessitates the use of heavier gauge strings to maintain proper tension and intonation, and to prevent string floppiness and fret buzz. Without heavier gauges, playability and tone will be significantly compromised. This tuning offers a powerful, complex sonic palette for adventurous guitarists.

How to Tune:

Given the significant pitch drops for each string, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set than standard to maintain proper tension, intonation, and playability. Tuning down more than 4 semitones generally advises a different string gauge.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 9 semitones to G1. This is a very substantial drop; a significantly thicker string is essential.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 7 semitones to D2. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this drop.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 8 semitones to F3#. This extreme drop necessitates a much thicker string.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. A heavier gauge string will greatly improve playability and tone.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. While exactly 4 semitones, a heavier string is still highly recommended to prevent looseness and buzzing.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 6 semitones to A4#. A heavier gauge string is advised for this considerable drop.