Tuning Name: Fruit Snack Tuning

This intriguing 7-string guitar tuning, whimsically named "Fruit Snack Tuning" by its creator, was inspired by the letters found on a box of fruit snacks. It presents a highly customized and deep sound profile, veering significantly from standard tunings to offer unique harmonic possibilities.

Verbal Analysis

The "Fruit Snack Tuning" drops the overall pitch of the instrument considerably, especially on the lower strings, resulting in a dark, resonant, and almost ambient character. The wide intervals between some strings, like the minor third from String 7 (A1) to String 6 (C2) or the perfect fifth from String 5 (D2) to String 4 (A2), and the substantial jump in octave from String 3 (B2) to String 2 (C4), create a landscape ripe for drone-like textures, open voicings, and heavy, atmospheric riffs. The highest strings retain some clarity while still being tuned down from typical standard pitches, allowing for melodic contrast against the deep bass.

Technical Analysis

This is a custom 7-string tuning with the notes from low to high being: A1, C2, D2, A2, B2, C4, D4. The full sequence of notes across the fretboard is A, C, D, A, B, C, D.

Intervals Between Open Strings:

• String 7 (A1) to String 6 (C2): Minor Third (3 semitones)
• String 6 (C2) to String 5 (D2): Major Second (2 semitones)
• String 5 (D2) to String 4 (A2): Perfect Fifth (7 semitones)
• String 4 (A2) to String 3 (B2): Major Second (2 semitones)
• String 3 (B2) to String 2 (C4): Minor Third + Octave (15 semitones)
• String 2 (C4) to String 1 (D4): Major Second (2 semitones)

The tuning features a notable jump in pitch between String 3 (B2) and String 2 (C4), spanning over an octave and a minor third. This creates a distinct separation between the lower and upper registers, potentially allowing for unique contrapuntal playing or massive sounding chords when strumming across all strings. The repeated 'A' notes (A1 and A2) provide a strong root and octave anchor, suggesting a foundation in A minor or A Dorian. The overall intervallic structure, particularly the cluster of A, B, C, D in the lower and middle strings, lends itself to open, resonant harmonies with a distinct minor/modal character.

Potential Open Chords & Shapes:

• A Minor (Open): The open strings (A1-C2-D2-A2-B2-C4-D4) contain the notes A, B, C, D, spread across octaves. This voicing naturally leans towards an A minor tonality. With A and C present, a core minor sound is established. The addition of D and B implies an A minor 11th chord (A-C-E-G-B-D) if one imagines the missing E and G. Specifically, the open strings form an A minor 9sus4 or A minor 11 voicing, rich with modal possibilities, particularly A Dorian. Fretting can easily fill out these voicings, for instance, a finger on the 2nd fret of String 5 (D2 to E2) could complete an A minor triad.
• Drones and Riffs: The low A1 and C2 provide a dark, heavy foundation perfect for drone-based music or powerful, slow riffs. The wide open intervals encourage experimentation with resonant, ringing chords and arpeggios.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "Fruit Snack Tuning" from a standard 7-string tuning (B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), follow these instructions carefully. Pay close attention to the semitone adjustments, especially for significant changes, as these may require a different string gauge for optimal tension and playability.

• String 7 (Original B1 to Target A1): Tune down 2 semitones to A1. (Note: Tuning down 2 semitones is generally safe for standard gauge strings.)
• String 6 (Original E2 to Target C2): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones can significantly reduce string tension. A heavier gauge string may be advisable for better tone and feel.
• String 5 (Original A2 to Target D2): Tune down 7 semitones to D2. Warning: Tuning down 7 semitones is a substantial change. A significantly heavier gauge string is strongly recommended to maintain adequate tension and prevent string flop.
• String 4 (Original D3 to Target A2): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial change. A heavier gauge string is strongly recommended for proper tension and playability.
• String 3 (Original G3 to Target B2): Tune down 8 semitones to B2. Extreme Warning: Tuning down 8 semitones is a very drastic change. A much heavier gauge string is essential for this string to be playable with proper tension. Consider a baritone or dedicated low string set.
• String 2 (Original B3 to Target C4): Tune up 1 semitone to C4. (Note: Tuning up 1 semitone is generally safe for standard gauge strings.)
• String 1 (Original E4 to Target D4): Tune down 2 semitones to D4. (Note: Tuning down 2 semitones is generally safe for standard gauge strings.)

String 7 (Lowest String): A1 (An A note in the first octave, very low)

String 6: C2 (A C note in the second octave)

String 5: D2 (A D note in the second octave)

String 4: A2 (An A note in the second octave)

String 3: B2 (A B note in the second octave)

String 2: C4 (A C note in the fourth octave, relatively high)

String 1 (Highest String): D4 (A D note in the fourth octave)