This is the Half-Step Flat F# tuning, a highly individual and deeply resonant setup for a 7-string guitar. As described by its creator, it's "Kind of a way to allow people to use the lower strings, without simply chugging on it." This ethos perfectly encapsulates its design: a tuning intended to unlock intricate melodic and harmonic possibilities across the lower register, pushing beyond conventional power chords and straightforward strumming.

Technical Analysis

This 7-string tuning sets the open strings to A♯2, D♯3, G♯3, C♯4, F3, A♯4, D♯5 (from the lowest 7th string to the highest 1st string). The initial four strings (A♯2, D♯3, G♯3, C♯4) are consistently tuned in perfect fourths. This provides a familiar, robust, and powerful foundation for creating low-end riffs, power chords, and scalar patterns, firmly establishing an A♯ minor or D♯ Lydian tonality.

The most distinctive and unconventional feature of this tuning is the dramatic interval between the 4th string (C♯4) and the 3rd string (F3). Instead of a standard ascending interval, the 3rd string is tuned a Major 6th downwards from the 4th string, placing F3 significantly lower than C♯4. This large, descending interval radically alters the guitar's sonic landscape, making standard chord shapes across this transition impossible and encouraging the exploration of wider voicings, arpeggios, and specific melodic lines rather than broad open strumming.

The upper three strings (F3, A♯4, D♯5) continue this theme of unique intervallic relationships, featuring a Major 9th and a Perfect 4th. Overall, the tuning strongly suggests an A♯ minor tonality (containing A♯, C♯, D♯, F, G♯), with the F3 acting as a distinct, low-lying voice that can introduce surprising depth, tension, or a droning quality, perfectly aligning with the tuning's stated purpose of intricate low-string usage.

Open Chord Considerations

• The bottom four strings (A♯2, D♯3, G♯3, C♯4) are ideal for forming powerful A♯ minor or A♯ power chord voicings with ease.
• Due to the significant pitch drop from C♯4 to F3, open strumming of all seven strings will produce a complex, likely dissonant, sound. Achieving harmonious open chords will necessitate careful voicing, muting, or selecting specific string combinations.
• This tuning excels in intricate fingerstyle, arpeggiated passages, or lead playing that strategically utilizes the wide intervallic jumps to create unique melodic contours and extended harmonies.

How to Tune

To achieve this unique tuning, begin by setting your 7-string guitar to the following base notes for each string: B2 (7th string), E3 (6th string), A3 (5th string), D4 (4th string), G3 (3rd string), B4 (2nd string), E5 (1st string). Then, carefully adjust each string according to the movements below:

• 7th String (Lowest): From B2, tune down 1 semitone to A♯2.
• 6th String: From E3, tune down 1 semitone to D♯3.
• 5th String: From A3, tune down 1 semitone to G♯3.
• 4th String: From D4, tune down 1 semitone to C♯4.
• 3rd String: From G3, tune down 2 semitones to F3. This is a significant drop; while generally within safe limits for standard string gauges, you may notice increased looseness.
• 2nd String: From B4, tune down 1 semitone to A♯4.
• 1st String (Highest): From E5, tune down 1 semitone to D♯5.

For general guidance, tuning changes exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down) often warrant consideration of a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension, intonation, and playability. All movements in this tuning are within acceptable ranges for most standard string sets, with the 3rd string being the most notable adjustment.

String 7 (Lowest): A♯2

String 6: D♯3

String 5: G♯3

String 4: C♯4

String 3: F3

String 2: A♯4

String 1 (Highest): D♯5