This 7-string guitar tuning, explicitly named AEADGAD, is a robust and highly expressive setup. It’s predominantly favored in the Djent and Progressive Metal genres, where its extended low range and unique intervallic structure provide a fertile ground for heavy, complex riffs, ambient textures, and intricate melodic passages. As its description suggests, it builds upon the widely appreciated DADGAD tuning, extending its capabilities downwards for a truly expansive sonic footprint.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are configured as follows, from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st) string:

• 7th String (Low A): A1
• 6th String (E): E2
• 5th String (A): A2
• 4th String (D): D3
• 3rd String (G): G3
• 2nd String (A): A3
• 1st String (High D): D4

Analyzing the intervals reveals a distinctive A-centric tuning. The presence of A on the 7th, 5th, and 2nd strings, along with D on the 4th and 1st strings, creates a rich resonance and harmonic depth. The interval progression from the lowest string is a Perfect 5th (A1 to E2), followed by Perfect 4ths (E2 to A2, A2 to D3, D3 to G3), then a Major 2nd (G3 to A3), and finally another Perfect 4th (A3 to D4). This setup effectively combines a powerful low A-E-A (root-fifth-octave) foundation with a D-G-A-D arrangement on the upper strings, echoing the drone capabilities of DADGAD while adding substantial low-end impact.

Chordal and Melodic Possibilities

The open strings of AEADGAD naturally form an implied A suspended 4th chord (A-D-E-G), offering a full, resonant open voicing that serves as an excellent starting point for composition. The multiple A and D notes across different octaves are perfect for creating sustained drone effects, characteristic of DADGAD, but now extended with a formidable bass presence. Power chords are exceptionally easy to construct and manipulate, particularly on the lower strings (7th, 6th, 5th, and 4th strings forming A-E-A-D), allowing for incredibly thick and aggressive riffing with minimal fretting. While traditional standard chord shapes will necessitate adaptation due to the altered intervals (especially between the 3rd and 2nd strings, and 2nd and 1st strings), this non-standard configuration encourages the discovery of fresh voicings and innovative melodic patterns. The tuning's extensive low range and drone potential make it exceptionally well-suited for creating vast soundscapes and the intricate, percussive rhythmic attack often heard in Djent and Progressive Metal.

How to Tune

To achieve the AEADGAD tuning, you will make the following precise adjustments from a standard 7-string tuning (typically B-E-A-D-G-B-E):

• 7th String (Original B1): Tune down 2 semitones to A1.
• 6th String (Original E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E2.
• 5th String (Original A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (Original D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (Original G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• 2nd String (Original B3): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (Original E4): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Note: When making significant tuning changes (generally exceeding 4 semitones up or down), it is often recommended to consider using a different string gauge to ensure optimal string tension, prevent intonation issues, and avoid potential string breakage. For this AEADGAD tuning, all required string movements are relatively minor (within 2 semitones), meaning a standard set of 7-string guitar strings should accommodate these changes safely and effectively.