This is a robust and powerful 7-string tuning, commonly known as A# Standard. It's achieved by tuning all strings a half-step down from the conventional 7-string B Standard tuning, making it a natural progression for players familiar with standard intervals but seeking a lower pitch.

As noted in its description, this tuning has been famously utilized by heavy-hitting bands like Revocation, Nevermore, and early Meshuggah. Its inherent lower register provides immense depth and punch, making it ideal for downtuned, aggressive riffs, extended range arpeggios, and thick chord voicings that are characteristic of metal, death metal, and djent genres.

Technical Analysis:

A# Standard 7-string maintains the relative intervals of standard tuning (perfect fourths between most strings, with a major third between the 3rd and 2nd strings). The open notes are A#2, D#3, G#3, C#4, F#4, A#4, D#5 (from thickest to thinnest string). This consistent downward shift by one semitone across all strings makes it incredibly intuitive for players already proficient in B Standard 7-string. All existing chord shapes, scales, and arpeggios remain geometrically the same, simply transposed down by a semitone across the entire fretboard.

Open Chords and Playability:

While not an "open chord" tuning in the traditional sense, its standard interval structure offers significant advantages:

• Any standard tuning chord shape will produce the equivalent chord, transposed down by one semitone. For instance, playing a G major shape will now yield an Gb (F#) major chord.
• Open power chords are easily accessible on the lower strings, providing immediate sonic weight (e.g., A#5 on the 7th string, D#5 on the 6th string, G#5 on the 5th string).
• Barre chords remain highly effective and are key to navigating harmonies across the fretboard, with their root notes simply a semitone lower than their B Standard counterparts.
• If using the same string gauge as B Standard, the slightly lower tension can facilitate easier bending and vibrato. However, for players prioritizing string tension, intonation stability, and articulation in aggressive playing styles, a slightly heavier gauge string set is often recommended.

Here are the notes for each string in A# Standard 7-string tuning, from the thickest (7th string) to the thinnest (1st string):

• 7th String: A2#
• 6th String: D3#
• 5th String: G3#
• 4th String: C4#
• 3rd String: F4#
• 2nd String: A4#
• 1st String: D5#

How to Tune:

To achieve A# Standard 7-string tuning from a standard B Standard 7-string setup (B2-E3-A3-D4-G4-B4-E5), you will tune each string down by 1 semitone. Follow these steps for each string:

• 7th String (Low B): Tune down from B2 to A#2. This involves tuning down 1 semitone.
• 6th String (Low E): Tune down from E3 to D#3. This involves tuning down 1 semitone.
• 5th String (A): Tune down from A3 to G#3. This involves tuning down 1 semitone.
• 4th String (D): Tune down from D4 to C#4. This involves tuning down 1 semitone.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down from G4 to F#4. This involves tuning down 1 semitone.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down from B4 to A#4. This involves tuning down 1 semitone.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down from E5 to D#5. This involves tuning down 1 semitone.

Important Considerations: As all strings are tuned down by a consistent single semitone, this is a relatively minor adjustment from B Standard. This specific movement (-1 semitone per string) falls within safe limits and typically does not require a different string gauge to be used. However, be aware that the overall string tension will be slightly reduced. For players who prefer higher tension for aggressive playing, precise intonation, or a tighter feel, considering a slightly heavier gauge string set than your usual B Standard set might be beneficial to compensate for the lower pitch and maintain optimal playability.