The Standard (Contra) Tuning for a 7-string guitar plunges the entire instrument into the ultra-low registers, mirroring the intervals of a standard 7-string setup but pitched an entire octave lower. This creates an exceptionally deep and resonant soundscape, pushing the guitar into the territory typically occupied by bass instruments, yet retaining the full harmonic and melodic capabilities of a guitar.

Verbal Analysis:

Imagine taking the familiar sonic landscape of a 7-string guitar and dropping it into an abyss of sound – that's the essence of Contra Tuning. It delivers an immense, rumbling depth, providing a foundational presence that can fill vast sonic spaces. This tuning is ideal for genres like doom metal, drone, ambient soundscapes, or any experimental music where an extraordinarily low-end presence is desired. It allows for monumental, thick chords and bass lines that resonate with an unparalleled weight, transforming the guitar into a truly unique voice that can sit beneath traditional instrumentation.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings of this tuning are B0, E1, A1, D2, G2, B2, E3. This configuration is a direct transposition of the standard 7-string tuning (typically B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4) down by a full octave (12 semitones) across all strings. The consistent intervalic relationship means that all chord shapes, scale patterns, and arpeggios learned in standard 7-string tuning are directly transferable, but will sound significantly lower. The lowest string, B0, ventures into frequencies typically associated with a sub-bass, offering an incredibly powerful fundamental tone that can add a unique gravity to your music.

Open Chords and Voicings:

Despite its extreme depth, the standard intervalic relationships facilitate familiar chord voicings, albeit in a dramatically lower register:

• Power Chords: Due to the consistent perfect fourths (A1-D2, D2-G2, B2-E3) and the unique B0-E1 relationship, powerful, thick open power chords are easily accessible. For instance, a common 0-2-2 shape on the E1-A1-D2 strings would yield an E5 power chord, but with an earth-shattering low E1.
• Minor Triads: An E minor triad (E-G-B) is readily available across the E1, G2, and B2 strings, providing a strong tonal center for darker compositions. Similarly, A minor can be formed using A1 and fretted notes on D2 (2nd fret for E) and G2 (5th fret for C).
• Drone & Riffing: The extremely low B0 string provides an excellent foundation for heavy, open string riffs and drone notes, especially when combined with the other open strings. The consistency of the tuning also allows for easy transposition of traditional guitar riffs an octave down, giving them an unprecedented weight and resonance. This tuning is excellent for creating dense, sustained soundscapes.

Open String Notes:

• 7th String (Lowest): B0
• 6th String: E1
• 5th String: A1
• 4th String: D2
• 3rd String: G2
• 2nd String: B2
• 1st String (Highest): E3

How to Tune (Based on a Standard 7-String B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4 Tuning):

This tuning requires a significant adjustment from standard 7-string tuning, as all strings are tuned down an entire octave (12 semitones). It is highly recommended to use a much heavier gauge string set than standard to maintain proper tension, intonation, and playability when tuning this low. Tuning down 12 semitones will result in very loose strings if standard gauges are used.

• 7th String: Tune down 12 semitones from B1 to B0.
• 6th String: Tune down 12 semitones from E2 to E1.
• 5th String: Tune down 12 semitones from A2 to A1.
• 4th String: Tune down 12 semitones from D3 to D2.
• 3rd String: Tune down 12 semitones from G3 to G2.
• 2nd String: Tune down 12 semitones from B3 to B2.
• 1st String: Tune down 12 semitones from E4 to E3.

Important Note on String Gauge: All strings in this tuning are dropped by a full octave (12 semitones). For any string movement exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), a different string gauge set is strongly advised. In this specific case, a radical change in string gauge, such as a dedicated baritone or sub-octave string set, is essential to maintain proper string tension, prevent floppiness, ensure accurate intonation, and achieve the best sound quality. Using standard strings will likely result in very poor playability and tone.