This is a formidable 7-string guitar tuning, famously utilized by the progressive metal band Periphery, particularly on their track "Racecar." Designed for heavy, modern, and intricate riffing, this tuning provides a powerful low end and a distinctive sonic palette perfect for djent and similar genres.

Technical Analysis

• Overall Descent: Compared to standard 7-string tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E), every string has been tuned down. Most strings are lowered by a single semitone, while the 6th string is significantly dropped by three semitones.
• Root Note and Intervals: The tuning's core appears to revolve around C# and A#. The 6th string is tuned to C#3, while the 7th (lowest) string is an A#2, creating a "drop" feel where the lowest string is a whole step below the 6th string's root note. The presence of C# on both the 6th and 4th strings (C#3 and C#4) provides a strong octave foundation for power chords.
• Specific Intervals:
  • String 7 (A#2) to String 6 (C#3): Minor 3rd (3 semitones)
  • String 6 (C#3) to String 5 (G#3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
  • String 5 (G#3) to String 4 (C#4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
  • String 4 (C#4) to String 3 (F#4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
  • String 3 (F#4) to String 2 (A#4): Minor 3rd (3 semitones)
  • String 2 (A#4) to String 1 (D#5): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)

Chordal Opportunities

• Open Power Chords: The most immediate and powerful open chord available is a C#5 power chord across strings 6, 5, and 4 (C#3-G#3-C#4). This makes it incredibly easy to play heavy, chugging riffs by barring these three strings.
• Extended Power Chords: The dropped 7th string (A#2) allows for even deeper, more resonant voicings. By incorporating the A#2, you can create extended power chords or dissonant open voicings that provide a very full and dark sound. For example, A#2, C#3, G#3, C#4 creates a powerful, wide voicing.
• One-Finger Barre Chords: Due to the C# octave on strings 6 and 4, and the perfect 5th on string 5, power chords can be easily fretted with a single finger across the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings, enabling fast chord changes and rhythmic complexity.
• Lead and Arpeggio Work: The intervals on the higher strings (F#4, A#4, D#5) suggest a C# minor or A# minor natural scale context, which can be explored for melodic leads and arpeggios that complement the heavy lower register.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the Periphery Racecar Drop C# tuning from a standard 7-string tuning (B2-E3-A3-D4-G4-B4-E5), follow these precise movements for each string:

• String 7 (Lowest B2): Tune down 1 semitone from B2 to A#2.
• String 6 (E3): Tune down 3 semitones from E3 to C#3.
• String 5 (A3): Tune down 1 semitone from A3 to G#3.
• String 4 (D4): Tune down 1 semitone from D4 to C#4.
• String 3 (G4): Tune down 1 semitone from G4 to F#4.
• String 2 (B4): Tune down 1 semitone from B4 to A#4.
• String 1 (Highest E5): Tune down 1 semitone from E5 to D#5.

Important Note: All string movements in this tuning are relatively minor (1 to 3 semitones down). Generally, tuning up or down beyond 4 semitones can put excessive stress on your strings or neck, and a different string gauge is advised in such cases. For this tuning, standard gauge 7-string strings should be sufficient, though slightly heavier gauges may enhance tension and tone at these lower pitches.

String 7 (Lowest): A#2 - The lowest string, providing a deep, resonant foundation. It's a whole step below the 6th string's C#, forming the "drop" aspect.

String 6: C#3 - The primary root note of the tuning, offering a strong anchor for heavy riffing and power chords.

String 5: G#3 - A perfect 5th above the C#3, completing the essential power chord shape for the lower strings.

String 4: C#4 - An octave higher than the 6th string's C#3, reinforcing the root and providing depth to power chords.

String 3: F#4 - A perfect 4th above C#4, creating a useful interval for melodic lines or chord extensions.

String 2: A#4 - A minor 3rd above F#4 and an octave above the lowest string (A#2), adding harmonic color and versatility for lead playing.

String 1 (Highest): D#5 - A perfect 4th above A#4, completing the tuning with a brighter note for solos, arpeggios, and higher melodic passages.