G minor 9 (7-String Guitar) Tuning Analysis

This is a rich and dark 7-string tuning, centered around a G minor 9 chord, as indicated by its name and the open notes. It's a deep and resonant tuning, perfect for genres requiring a heavy, atmospheric, or melancholic sound, such as metal, progressive rock, jazz fusion, or even cinematic scores. The extensive detuning across all strings suggests a need for heavier gauge strings to maintain proper tension and intonation, especially on a standard scale length guitar.

Technical Breakdown

The open string notes are:
G1 D2 G2 A#3 D3 F3 A3
This tuning is built upon a G minor foundation, specifically a G minor 9 chord. Let's analyze the intervals between adjacent strings:

• String 7 (G1) to String 6 (D2): Perfect 5th
• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (G2): Perfect 4th
• String 5 (G2) to String 4 (A#3): Minor 3rd
• String 4 (A#3) to String 3 (D3): Major 3rd
• String 3 (D3) to String 2 (F3): Minor 3rd
• String 2 (F3) to String 1 (A3): Major 3rd

The open strings collectively form a complex G minor voicing. When played open, the notes G, D, G, A#, D, F, A are present. This provides the following chord tones relative to G (A# is equivalent to Bb):

• G (Root)
• A# (Minor 3rd)
• D (Perfect 5th)
• F (Minor 7th)
• A (Major 9th)

Chordal Opportunities & Playability

• Open G minor 9: As noted, simply strumming all open strings yields a lush G minor 9 chord, providing an immediate powerful foundation for composition.
• Power Chords: The presence of G-D-G on the lowest strings (7, 6, 5) makes it very easy to form G-based power chords across these strings by simply barring. Moving this shape up the neck allows for quick access to various power chords with a deep, resonant quality.
• Minor Voicings: The strong minor 3rd intervals on adjacent strings (G2-A#3 and D3-F3) suggest that minor chord shapes will be relatively intuitive to finger, especially across strings 5-4 and 3-2. This can simplify forming various minor chords and inversions.
• Extended Chords: The inherent 9th and 7th in the open tuning make it conducive to exploring jazzier or more complex harmonies with minimal effort. Slide shapes along the neck to find various minor 9th, minor 7th, or even minor 11th voicings that sound full and articulate.
• Lead Playing: The mix of 5ths, 4ths, and 3rds intervals across the strings offers interesting scale and arpeggio patterns, departing significantly from standard tuning's more uniform 4ths (with a major 3rd). This can lead to unique melodic phrasing and fresh ideas for soloing.

Due to the significant detuning on all strings, particularly the higher ones, it is highly recommended to use a much heavier gauge string set to maintain tension, intonation, and clarity, especially if a standard scale length guitar is used. This will prevent buzzing and improve overall playability.

Tuning Notes & How to Tune

Open String Notes:

• String 7 (Lowest): G1
• String 6: D2
• String 5: G2
• String 4: A#3
• String 3: D3
• String 2: F3
• String 1 (Highest): A3

How to Tune from Standard 7-String (B-E-A-D-G-B-E):

Note: Given the significant detuning on several strings, especially those moving by 5 or more semitones, it is strongly advised to use a heavier gauge string set to maintain proper tension, intonation, and playability. Tuning down more than 4 semitones can lead to very loose strings and potential intonation issues with standard gauge strings.

• String 7 (Lowest): Tune down 4 semitones from B1 to G1.
• String 6: Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• String 5: Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• String 4: Tune down 4 semitones from D3 to A#3.
• String 3: Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. Caution advised: consider heavier gauge string.
• String 2: Tune down 6 semitones from B3 to F3. Caution advised: consider heavier gauge string.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune down 7 semitones from E4 to A3. Caution advised: consider much heavier gauge string.