Verbal Analysis

This is a formidable 7-string tuning designed for players seeking both immense depth and intricate harmonic capabilities. It masterfully combines the visceral power of a Drop A# tuning on its lowest strings with the open, resonant qualities of a DADGAD-like structure, all transposed up a semitone. The result is a versatile soundscape that can range from crushing, low-end riffs to shimmering, modal chord voicings and arpeggios. It's a tuning that speaks to progressive metal, djent, and experimental rock, offering a unique blend of percussive aggression and atmospheric texture. It encourages creative exploration, allowing for easy access to powerful drone notes while simultaneously opening up complex harmonic possibilities on the higher strings.

Technical Analysis

The full open tuning for this 7-string instrument, from lowest to highest string, is A#2 F2 A#3 D#4 G#4 A#4 D#5. This complex yet cohesive structure is best understood by breaking it into two conceptual parts, as suggested by its name: a 'DADGAD' core and a 'Drop A#' foundation.

• The Drop A# Foundation (Strings 7 & 6): The lowest string is tuned to A#2, setting a deep, guttural root. String 6 is tuned to F2, forming a perfect 5th above A#2. This A#2-F2-A#3 sequence (adding string 5) provides a massive, open A#5 power chord (A# F A#), ideal for heavy riffing and sustained low notes.
• The DADGAD-like Core (Strings 5-1): The upper five strings are tuned A#3 D#4 G#4 A#4 D#5. This pattern closely mirrors a DADGAD tuning (D A D G A D) but transposed up a semitone, making it D# A# D# G# A# D#. In this specific application, the lowest 'D#' of the D#ADGAD sequence is replaced by A#3 (an octave above the main root), creating an open A#sus4(b7) chord (A#, D#, G#) across strings 5-3, with additional A#4 and D#5. When all strings are played open, the combined notes (A#, D#, F, G#) form an A#7sus4 (A# Dominant 7th with a Suspended 4th) chord, providing a rich, full, and slightly dissonant harmonic base.

The intervallic relationships facilitate a wide range of musical expressions. The presence of perfect fourths (e.g., A#3-D#4, D#4-G#4, A#4-D#5) on multiple string sets allows for easily transposable chord shapes and scalar patterns, similar to standard tuning but with an altered 'feel'. The G#4-A#4 interval (a major second) adds a distinctive flavor, breaking the pattern and offering unique melodic opportunities. The inherent drone capabilities of the open A# notes across multiple octaves provide a powerful harmonic anchor for improvisation and composition.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Drop A#/DADGAD (7-string)

To achieve this unique and powerful 7-string tuning, precisely adjust each string according to the instructions below:

• String 7 (Lowest): Tune down 1 semitone to A2#.
• String 6: Tune up 1 semitone to F2.
• String 5: Tune up 1 semitone to A3#.
• String 4: Tune up 1 semitone to D4#.
• String 3: Tune up 1 semitone to G4#.
• String 2: Tune down 1 semitone to A4#.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune down 1 semitone to D5#.

Important Note: All string adjustments in this tuning involve moving only 1 semitone up or down. These are minor changes well within the normal tension range for standard gauge strings. Therefore, a change in string gauge is generally not required for this tuning.

String 7 (lowest): A2# (A sharp in the 2nd octave)
String 6: F2 (F in the 2nd octave)
String 5: A3# (A sharp in the 3rd octave)
String 4: D4# (D sharp in the 4th octave)
String 3: G4# (G sharp in the 4th octave)
String 2: A4# (A sharp in the 4th octave)
String 1 (highest): D5# (D sharp in the 5th octave)