This unique 7-string guitar tuning, often referred to by its creator as "7 String B+DADGAD" due to its inspiration and complimentary role to an Open D# tuned guitar, truly shines as a countermelody or pad instrument. It provides a deep, resonant foundation perfect for intricate solos and lush, atmospheric textures, designed to beautifully complement a primary instrument playing in Open D#.

Technical Analysis

The open strings of this 7-string tuning resolve to the notes: A♯2, C♯3, G♯3, C♯4, F♯4, G♯4, C♯5. When analyzed, the unique notes present are A♯, C♯, F♯, G♯. This forms a rich A♯ minor 7th chord with an added minor 6th (A♯m7(add ♭6)), built from the root (A♯), minor third (C♯), minor sixth (F♯), and minor seventh (G♯). This creates a full, dark, and somewhat melancholic sound right from the open position. The repeating C♯ and G♯ notes across different octaves contribute to its harmonic richness and sustain.

Chordal Possibilities

The inherent A♯m7(add ♭6) chord at the open position makes it exceptionally easy to create deep, resonant minor 7th-like voicings. A simple barre across any fret will yield a new chord with a similar interval structure, based on that fret's root. For instance, barring all strings at the 1st fret would produce a Bm7(add ♭6), at the 2nd fret a C♯m7(add ♭6), and so on. The close proximity of the C♯ notes (3rd, 4th, and 1st strings) and G♯ notes (5th and 2nd strings) also facilitates interesting drone possibilities and allows for complex harmonic structures with minimal finger movement. This tuning is particularly well-suited for ambient music, djent, progressive metal, or any style requiring a robust, low-end harmonic foundation.

String Notes

7th String (Low A♯): A2♯
6th String: C3♯
5th String: G3♯
4th String: C4♯
3rd String: F4♯
2nd String: G4♯
1st String (High C♯): C5♯

How to Tune

To achieve this "A♯ Minor 7 Open 7-String" tuning from a standard 7-string tuning (B2 E3 A3 D4 G4 B4 E5), please follow these instructions carefully. Note that all strings are tuned down. For movements exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), a different string gauge is generally advised for optimal playability and string tension, though none in this specific tuning exceed this threshold significantly.

• 7th String (Low B to A♯): Tune down 1 semitone from B2 to A2♯.
• 6th String (E to C♯): Tune down 3 semitones from E3 to C3♯.
• 5th String (A to G♯): Tune down 1 semitone from A3 to G3♯.
• 4th String (D to C♯): Tune down 1 semitone from D4 to C4♯.
• 3rd String (G to F♯): Tune down 1 semitone from G4 to F4♯.
• 2nd String (B to G♯): Tune down 3 semitones from B4 to G4♯.
• 1st String (High E to C♯): Tune down 3 semitones from E5 to C5♯.