A Deep Dive into the Drop A/D Variation Tuning

Verbal Analysis: Unleashing Low-End Aggression

The "Drop A/D Variation" is a formidable 7-string guitar tuning, explicitly designed for maximum low-end impact and sonic aggression. As indicated by its use by bands like Dir En Grey since their "Dum Spiro Spero" era, this tuning is perfectly suited for genres such as metal, progressive metal, djent, and hardcore, where powerful, downtuned riffs are paramount. It offers a remarkably deep foundation with its lowest string tuned to a resounding A1, providing an almost bass-like presence. The tuning cleverly combines the familiar ease of "drop" tunings for power chords with a unique, resonant string arrangement that encourages open, chugging rhythms and and intricate low-string melodies. If you're looking to dive into an abyss of heavy tones, this tuning provides a potent gateway to unparalleled sonic depth.

Technical Analysis: A-D-A-D-G-B-E Unveiled

This 7-string tuning sets the open strings to A1-D2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4 (from lowest to highest). It can be conceptualized as an extension of a standard 6-string Drop D tuning, with the addition of a super-low A string and a further drop on the 6th string to complement it.

• Low-End Powerhouse: The 7th string is tuned to A1, providing an incredibly deep root note, positioned two semitones below the standard B1 for a 7-string guitar.
• Repeating Power Intervals: A defining characteristic is the repeating A-D-A-D pattern across the lowest four strings (A1-D2-A2-D3). This creates perfect 4th intervals between the 7th & 6th (A1 to D2) and 5th & 4th (A2 to D3), while the 6th & 5th strings (D2 to A2) form a perfect 5th. This specific arrangement greatly facilitates easy two-finger or single-finger barre power chords on these low strings, allowing for massive, thick voicings.
• Familiar Upper Register: The top three strings (G3-B3-E4) maintain the standard intervals of a 6-string guitar's upper register. This ensures that familiar chord voicings, scale shapes, and lead guitar techniques can be applied without significant relearning, seamlessly integrating with the deep lower end.
• Harmonic Potential: The open strings present interesting harmonic possibilities. The combination of D2-A2 on strings 6 and 5 forms a solid D5 power chord when strummed open. Similarly, the open 3rd and 4th strings (G3-D3) also form a G5 power chord. The overall open tuning when strummed hints at a complex Dadd11/A or Dsus2/A depending on the played strings and emphasis, offering a rich, resonant sound.

Open Chords and Reachable Shapes

The layout of this tuning makes certain chord shapes incredibly accessible, especially for heavy music:

• D5 Power Chord: The 6th and 5th strings (D2-A2) are a perfect 5th apart, forming an instant D5 power chord when strummed open. This shape can be easily slid up the neck to create various 5th chords (e.g., E5 at 2nd fret, F5 at 3rd fret, etc.).
• G5 Power Chord: The 3rd and 4th strings (G3-D3) also form a G5 power chord when played open. This provides another readily available power chord for rhythmic work.
• Octave Power Chords: The D-A-D-G-B-E configuration means that true octave power chords are directly achievable on the 6th and 4th strings (D2 and D3 respectively). Simply barre a single fret across the 6th and 4th strings for an instant, thick octave chord.
• Low Intervals for Heavy Riffs: The repeating perfect 4th intervals on 7th-6th (A1-D2) and 5th-4th (A2-D3) allow for easy two-finger 'sus2' or 'add11' shapes. These sound incredibly thick and resonant in the lower register, ideal for chugging riffs and rhythmic accents.
• Standard Chords on Upper Strings: Traditional major, minor, and 7th chords remain readily available on the top three strings (G3-B3-E4), allowing for harmonic complexity and familiar voicings to be played over the deep, aggressive rhythm section without sacrificing versatility.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Drop A/D Variation

To achieve the "Drop A/D Variation" tuning, you will adjust your strings from a standard 7-string tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E). Pay close attention to the following string movements:

• 7th String (Low B): Tune down 2 semitones to achieve A1.

  Note: While this is a moderate drop, generally tuning down by more than 4 semitones (or up by more than 4 semitones) can lead to significant string slackness, intonation issues, or excessive tension. For such drastic changes, a different string gauge is usually advised.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to achieve D2.

  Note: While this is a moderate drop, generally tuning down by more than 4 semitones (or up by more than 4 semitones) can lead to significant string slackness, intonation issues, or excessive tension. For such drastic changes, a different string gauge is usually advised.

• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at E4.

String Notes for Drop A/D Variation

Here are the notes for each string, from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st):

7th String: A1

6th String: D2

5th String: A2

4th String: D3

3rd String: G3

2nd String: B3

1st String: E4