The "Extended Baritone Standard" is a thoughtful and versatile 7-string guitar tuning that offers a fresh perspective on extended-range playing. As its name suggests, it grounds itself in the familiar territory of baritone guitar tunings while introducing a unique high-end extension.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning is conceptualized as an alternative to a standard 7-string, where instead of extending the low range, the focus shifts to the high end. The core idea is that the lower six strings are tuned identically to a standard 6-string baritone guitar (B-E-A-D-F#-B). This provides a deep, resonant foundation that will feel instantly recognizable and comfortable for players accustomed to lower tunings or baritone instruments. The significant departure from a standard 7-string (B-E-A-D-G-B-E) lies in the third string, which is dropped a half-step from G to F#. This subtle but impactful change creates a distinct harmonic texture. An additional high E string (E4) then extends the treble range, offering a bright, expressive top end. This configuration is particularly beneficial for beginners venturing into 7-string territory, as the lower register's familiarity makes it easier to navigate, effectively re-framing it as a down-tuned normal guitar with an added high string. This tuning was notably shared in a YouTube video by Ben Eller, though its exact origins remain unstated.

Technical Analysis

From the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st) string, the "Extended Baritone Standard" tuning is:
B1 – E2 – A2 – D3 – F#4 – B3 – E4

Analyzing the intervals between adjacent strings (from low to high):

• 7th (B1) to 6th (E2): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• 6th (E2) to 5th (A2): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• 5th (A2) to 4th (D3): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• 4th (D3) to 3rd (F#4): Major Third (4 semitones) – This is the unique interval that sets it apart from standard 7-string tuning on the G string.
• 3rd (F#4) to 2nd (B3): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• 2nd (B3) to 1st (E4): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)

This tuning, B-E-A-D-F#-B-E, is structurally similar to a standard 7-string tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E), with the crucial modification of dropping the 3rd string a semitone from G to F#.

Chordal Implications and Open Voicings

The unique intervallic structure, particularly the Major Third between the 4th (D3) and 3rd (F#4) strings, has interesting implications for chords:

• Familiar Baritone Core: The bottom six strings (B-E-A-D-F#-B) present a baritone-like feel, allowing for powerful, deep power chords and riffs. Standard power chord shapes on the lowest strings will remain intuitive.
• Open Chord Potential: While no single open major or minor triad spans all seven strings, the tuning offers resonant open voicings. The notes B, E, A, D, F# are present, suggesting potential for Bsus4, Em, or Aadd11 type harmonies. Specifically, the D-F#-B on strings 4-3-2 forms a B minor triad. Adding the top E (E4) creates a Bm(add11) or a more complex E-rooted chord (E-B-F#-D).
• Altered Chord Shapes: The D3 to F#4 (Major Third) interval will require players to adjust their fingerings for standard open chords (like G, C, D shapes) and barre chords across that specific break. For instance, a typical 'E-shape' barre chord moved up the neck will feel slightly different due to this interval, often creating a major third where a perfect fourth would usually be expected. This can lead to new, interesting voicings and opportunities for creative harmony.
• Melodic Possibilities: The consistent perfect fourths across most strings, broken by the single major third, makes this tuning highly adaptable for melodic lines, especially on the top strings (F#-B-E), which are tuned in perfect fourths similar to the top strings of standard EADGBe tuning (G-B-E). The high E4 string provides excellent range for solos and lead playing.

How to Tune

To achieve the Extended Baritone Standard tuning, you'll start from a standard 7-string guitar tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E) and make the following adjustments:

• 7th String (Low B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B1.
• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from D3.
• 3rd String (G to F#): Tune down 1 semitone from G4 to F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4.

General Tuning Advice: For any string movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is generally recommended to consider using a different gauge string to ensure optimal tension, intonation, and string longevity. In this specific tuning, only a minor adjustment is required for the 3rd string, so standard string gauges should be perfectly suitable.