Verbal & Technical Analysis: Allan's 7-String G9 Tuning

This is a unique and powerful 7-string Guitar tuning, meticulously crafted to emulate and expand upon the rich harmonic possibilities of a G9 lap steel tuning. As described by Allan, it aims to deliver a "fat G, G7, G9 plus a D minor and Dm6 on the open strings." This description accurately reflects the tuning's fundamental design, providing a lush open G dominant 9 chord that is both full and versatile. The original description also suggests it "Works best with a reentrant G4 026 but can also work with unison G strings," which indicates an intention for specific voicing and melodic approaches akin to lap steel or banjo tunings, offering interesting inversions and easy access to higher melodic lines while maintaining a strong bass foundation.

Technical Breakdown:

The tuning descends from a low G1 on the 7th string, followed by another G2 on the 6th string, creating a powerful, resonant root. This double G provides immense harmonic depth. The subsequent strings are tuned to B2, D3, F3, A3, D4. When played open, the full set of strings (G1, G2, B2, D3, F3, A3, D4) forms a complete G dominant 9 chord (G-B-D-F-A). This arrangement not only provides the G9 but also readily yields a D minor triad (D3-F3-A3) and a D minor 6th chord (D3-F3-A3-B2) by strategically omitting or including the 5th string.

Open Chord Voicings & Potential:

• G Dominant 9 (G9): The most prominent open chord, formed by all seven strings: G1-G2-B2-D3-F3-A3-D4. This provides a rich, full-bodied G9 perfect for blues, jazz, and soulful rock.
• G Dominant 7 (G7): By omitting the A3 (String 2), you easily achieve a powerful G7 (G1-G2-B2-D3-F3-D4).
• G Major Triad: Using G1-G2-B2-D3 (or subsets like G2-B2-D3), provides a strong G Major chord foundation.
• D Minor (Dm): The middle strings (D3-F3-A3) form a clear D minor triad, offering a contrasting minor tonality.
• D Minor 6 (Dm6): Including the B2 from String 5 with the Dm triad gives you a beautiful Dm6 (B2-D3-F3-A3), adding a touch of sophisticated minor harmony.

The open string relationships also lend themselves to easy access to parallel chord shapes with a slide or barre, especially dominant 7th and 9th voicings up and down the neck. The reentrant possibility (as mentioned in the tuning description) would create intriguing inner voice movement and make certain melodic runs very natural. For example, a simple barre across the neck would yield the same G9 quality at different roots. Shapes for IV (C9) and V (D9) chords would be relatively intuitive due to the consistent intervals across specific string groups, making this tuning highly playable for various musical styles.

Current Tuning:

Your 7-string guitar is currently tuned to the following notes (from low to high):

• String 7: G1 (Lowest String)
• String 6: G2
• String 5: B2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: F3
• String 2: A3
• String 1: D4 (Highest String)

How to Tune Your 7-String Guitar:

To achieve Allan's 7-String G9 tuning from standard 7-string tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E from low to high), follow these steps:

• String 7 (Lowest String - from B1): Tune down 4 semitones to G1. (As this involves a significant drop, a different gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.)
• String 6 (from E2): Tune up 3 semitones to G2. (Proceed with caution when tuning up multiple semitones to avoid string breakage.)
• String 5 (from A2): Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
• String 4 (from D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at D3.
• String 3 (from G3): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (from B3): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (Highest String - from E4): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Always use a reliable tuner for accuracy. For significant changes in pitch (like String 7 and String 6 in this tuning), considering the appropriate string gauge is crucial for optimal performance, intonation, and to prevent string breakage.