Verbal Analysis

This 7-string guitar tuning, named "Algernon's Ascent 7-String Tuning," is specifically tailored for the dynamic and often intricate soundscapes of math rock, drawing inspiration from bands like Algernon Cadwallader. It presents a fascinating blend of tight intervals and wide melodic leaps, creating a harmonically rich and texturally diverse foundation. The unique arrangement of pitches, notably including a re-entrant string, is designed to unlock unconventional voicings and complex arpeggio possibilities, essential for the genre's characteristic complexity and unpredictable melodic lines.

Technical Analysis

From the lowest (thickest, String 7) to highest (thinnest, String 1) physical string on the guitar, the tuning is B1-D2-A2-E3-F#4-A3-D4. Let's analyze the intervals between adjacent strings:

• String 7 (B1) to String 6 (D2): A minor third (3 semitones up).
• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (A2): A perfect fifth (7 semitones up).
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (E3): A perfect fifth (7 semitones up).
• String 4 (E3) to String 3 (F#4): A major ninth (14 semitones up). This represents a substantial melodic leap across two octaves and a major second, providing a bright, almost harp-like quality to the higher register and expansive arpeggio potential.
• String 3 (F#4) to String 2 (A3): A descending minor third (3 semitones down). This is a crucial re-entrant string configuration, meaning String 2 is tuned *lower* in pitch than String 3. This creates a unique harmonic landscape, allowing for surprising note clusters, open string drones, and interweaving melodic lines not typically found in standard guitar tunings.
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (D4): A perfect fourth (5 semitones up).

The open strings (B, D, A, E, F#, A, D) contain a rich harmonic palette. The notes D, F#, and A form a D Major triad, while B, D, and F# form a B Minor triad. This allows for easy access to complex harmonies such as a **Bm7(add11)** (B-D-F#-A-E) or a **Dadd2add6** (D-E-F#-A-B) by simply strumming the open strings. The combination of wide intervals on the lower strings, the unexpected re-entrant middle strings, and common perfect fifths/fourths, fosters opportunities for expansive arpeggios, shimmering open chords, and the intricate, often dissonant, melodic lines characteristic of math rock and progressive genres. The prominent F#4, positioned above the A3 and D4, will undoubtedly lead to interesting voicings and unique approaches to tapping or hammer-on patterns.

How to Tune

To achieve the Algernon's Ascent 7-String Tuning, follow these specific adjustments for each string, from the thickest (String 7) to the thinnest (String 1). The target note for each string is also provided:

• String 7 (B1): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 6 (D2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 5 (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (E3): Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 3 (F#4): Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 2 (A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

All string movements specified are within a range of 2 semitones, which is generally safe for standard string gauges. However, always exercise caution and listen to your strings when tuning, especially when increasing string tension.

String 7: B1

String 6: D2

String 5: A2

String 4: E3

String 3: F#4

String 2: A3

String 1: D4