Overview & Vibe

This tuning, affectionately named "this tuning gets you laid," is a potent concoction designed for the heavier realms of music, including alternative metal, numetal, djent, and progressive metal. It perfectly caters to the musician who desires the raw, aggressive power of metal while simultaneously yearning for the sophisticated harmonic depth often found in jazz or neo-soul. The original description hints at a "drop-D on a 7-string, half step down," setting expectations for a profoundly de-tuned and heavy foundation.

Technical Analysis & Open Chords

The actual open notes for this 7-string beast are (from low to high): A#2, C#3, G#3, C#4, F#4, B3, E4. This is a highly unconventional and harmonically rich tuning that offers unique sonic possibilities:

• Complex Open Chord: Striking all open strings yields a resonant A# minor 11 chord (A#, C#, F#, G#, B, E). This provides an immediate dark, complex, and expansive sound, making it excellent for creating atmospheric soundscapes or intricate progressive passages without fretting a single note.
• Powerful Low-End Intervals: The lowest two strings (S7: A#2, S6: C#3) form a commanding minor third interval. A single finger barred across these two strings at any fret will consistently produce a root and minor third, offering a distinct and heavier alternative to traditional perfect fifth power chords for riffing.
• Octave Resonance: The presence of C# on both String 6 (C#3) and String 4 (C#4) creates a natural octave resonance that adds significant depth and sustain to chords and melodic lines, particularly when these strings are played together.
• Non-Linear Upper String Voicings: The arrangement of the upper strings is notably unique and non-linear in pitch: String 3 (F#4), String 2 (B3), and String 1 (E4). This means that B3 on String 2 is actually lower in pitch than F#4 on String 3, and E4 on String 1 sits between them in terms of descending pitch. This encourages a fresh approach to lead playing and arpeggios, breaking away from conventional scale patterns and inviting creative exploration.
• Minor 7th Bar Chords: Barring across the lowest four strings (S7, S6, S5, S4) at any fret will produce a powerful minor 7th chord shape (Root, minor 3rd, minor 7th, octave). This is an incredibly effective tool for delivering massive, low-end chordal work characteristic of heavy genres.

This tuning demands a fresh perspective on the fretboard, particularly for those accustomed to standard tunings. Its inherent heavy, harmonically rich, and often brooding character makes it a versatile tuning for pushing the boundaries of modern metal and progressive music.

Open String Notes

• String 7 (Lowest): A#2
• String 6: C#3
• String 5: G#3
• String 4: C#4
• String 3: F#4
• String 2: B3
• String 1 (Highest): E4

How to Tune

To achieve this unique tuning, follow these precise adjustments for each string, starting from your current setup:

• String 7 (Lowest): To reach A#2, tune down 1 semitone.
• String 6: To reach C#3, tune down 3 semitones. This is a significant drop; ensure your string gauge can handle the tension change and consider a heavier gauge if you frequently use such low tunings.
• String 5: To reach G#3, tune down 1 semitone.
• String 4: To reach C#4, tune down 1 semitone.
• String 3: To reach F#4, tune down 1 semitone.
• String 2: To reach B3, keep the string as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (Highest): To reach E4, keep the string as is; no change (0 semitones).

Important Note on String Gauge: For any string movement exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), a different string gauge is generally advised to maintain optimal playability, intonation, and string longevity. While String 6's -3 semitone drop is just below this threshold, it is still a considerable adjustment, and a heavier gauge might enhance its performance in this lower tuning.