Tuning Analysis: 7-String Open A Sus 4

This is a unique 7-string adaptation of a tuning popularized by Tiny Moving Parts, as described by the creator. It reconfigures the standard 7-string guitar layout into an intriguing open voicing that blends elements of A sus4 with an A Major tonality, featuring some notably high and unconventionally ordered string pitches.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, this tuning provides a rich, open sound centered around A. The lower strings (A1-D2-A2-E3-A3) lay down a strong foundation reminiscent of an A sus4 chord, offering a broad, resonant base perfect for percussive strumming or ringing arpeggios. The presence of both the root (A), the fourth (D), and the fifth (E) across these strings creates a full, almost drone-like quality. The addition of C# on the second string (C#5) introduces a major tonality, transforming the sus4 feel into a bright A major chord (A-C#-E) when played across the higher strings. However, the most striking feature is the highly unconventional string order in the upper register: String 2 is tuned to C#5, which is significantly higher in pitch than String 1, tuned to E4. This creates a unique harmonic landscape and likely opens up a very distinct sonic character, possibly for melodic lines or specific voicings that exploit this inversed string order. The overall feel would be bright and resonant, with potential for both heavy, open chords and delicate, chime-like arpeggios, especially given the high C# and E notes.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument: 7-String Guitar
• Open Notes (low to high): A1 - D2 - A2 - E3 - A3 - C#5 - E4
• Harmonic Structure:
  • The open strings contain the notes A, D, C#, and E. When played together, this forms an A major chord (A-C#-E) with an added 4th (D). This gives it a bright, somewhat expansive sound, effectively an Aadd4 (A, C#, E, D) or A major suspended 4th.
  • The repetition of A (A1, A2, A3) and E (E3, E4) across different octaves provides a powerful, resonant foundation.
• Chordal Possibilities:
  • Open A Major / Aadd4: Strumming all strings open will yield a full, resonant A major chord with an added D, providing a unique flavor.
  • Power Chords: Moving a single finger across various frets will easily produce movable A-based power chords or other intervals, especially on the lower A-D-A-E-A strings. For instance, fretting all strings at the 2nd fret would yield a B major/Badd4 sound (B-E-B-F#-B-D#-F#).
  • Suspended Chords: The inherent D (4th) in the tuning makes suspended 4th chords particularly easy to voice. The C# on the 2nd string, however, means that to achieve a pure A sus4 without the major third, you would either mute or avoid playing the 2nd string, or fret it differently.
  • Unique Voicings: The high C#5 on the 2nd string, followed by E4 on the 1st string, allows for striking and unconventional melodic and harmonic intervals. This specific inversion (2nd string higher than 1st) encourages creative fingerings and chord shapes not possible in standard tunings.
• String Tension Considerations: While individual string movements are within typical 'safe' ranges (2 semitones up or down), the resulting absolute pitch of C#5 for String 2 is exceedingly high. This may necessitate a very light gauge string for String 2 to prevent breakage, and potentially a heavier gauge for String 1 (E4) to maintain balanced tension and feel, especially given its lower pitch relative to String 2. Careful attention to string gauge is highly recommended for optimal playability and to avoid string damage.

Tuning Notes Overview

Here are the target notes for each string, from the thickest (String 7) to the thinnest (String 1):

• String 7 (Low A): A1
• String 6 (D): D2
• String 5 (A): A2
• String 4 (E): E3
• String 3 (A): A3
• String 2 (C#): C#5
• String 1 (High E): E4

How to Tune

To achieve the "7 String Open A Sus 4" tuning, follow these instructions for each string, starting from the lowest (thickest) string based on standard 7-string guitar tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E):

• String 7 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A1.
• String 6 (E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 2 semitones to C#5. Note: C#5 is a very high pitch for a guitar string. Ensure your string can handle the increased tension or consider a lighter gauge.
• String 1 (E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4. Note: In this tuning, String 1 (E4) is lower in pitch than String 2 (C#5), which is highly unconventional.

General Recommendation: While the individual string adjustments are within a moderate range (-2 to +2 semitones), the resulting absolute pitch of C#5 on the second string is exceptionally high, and the relative pitch inversion between the first and second strings (C#5 > E4) is unusual. For optimal performance and to prevent string breakage, especially on String 2, it is highly advisable to use appropriate string gauges tailored for these specific pitches. If you experience difficulty or excessive tension, a change in string gauge is recommended.