Description

The "7 String Bass Standard" tuning is a formidable and versatile setup for the electric bass, extending its sonic capabilities significantly. As the name suggests, it provides a standard tuning for a 7-string bass, distinguished by the inclusion of two additional higher strings compared to a typical 5-string or 6-string bass. This opens up a vast range of melodic and harmonic possibilities, allowing bassists to explore higher registers and complex chord voicings traditionally less common on the instrument.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is set to B0-E1-A1-D2-G2-C3-F3. A key characteristic of this tuning is the consistent interval between all adjacent strings: a perfect fourth (P4). This makes it entirely consistent with the standard tuning of a 4, 5, or 6-string bass (EADG, BEADG, BEADGC), simply extending that pattern both downwards and upwards. The overall range spans from a deep, rumbling B0 to a bright, cutting F3, offering an impressive three-octave-plus range and immense harmonic potential.

Chords and Playability

The consistent perfect fourth interval across all seven strings greatly aids in playability, as familiar scale patterns and chord shapes can be easily transposed across the entire fretboard. While there isn't a readily apparent common chord formed by the open strings, the consistent P4 tuning makes it straightforward to construct various harmonies.

• Power Chords: Simple root-fifth power chords are easily achievable on any two adjacent strings, using a finger on the lower string and skipping a fret on the higher string (e.g., fretting string 6 at the 3rd fret (G) and string 5 at the 5th fret (D) gives a G5).
• Triads: Basic major and minor triads can be formed using common shapes across three or four strings. The presence of the higher C3 and F3 strings particularly enhances the ability to play fuller, brighter voicings and even arpeggiated chords that extend into a guitar-like range.
• Melodic Versatility: The extended range, especially the higher C3 and F3 strings, provides significant melodic versatility, allowing for soloing and intricate melodic lines that stand out in a mix. It's an excellent tuning for bassists who wish to take on more lead roles or incorporate advanced chordal techniques.

How to Tune

To achieve the 7 String Bass Standard tuning (B0 E1 A1 D2 G2 C3 F3), you will need to adjust your strings as follows from their implied standard tension:

• String 7 (Lowest): Tune down 12 semitones to B0.
• String 6: Tune down 12 semitones to E1.
• String 5: Tune down 12 semitones to A1.
• String 4: Tune down 12 semitones to D2.
• String 3: Tune down 12 semitones to G2.
• String 2: Tune down 11 semitones to C3.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune down 11 semitones to F3.

Important Note: All string movements in this tuning exceed the recommended range of -4 to +4 semitones. Specifically, strings 7 through 3 are tuned down a full octave (12 semitones), and strings 2 and 1 are tuned down 11 semitones. For optimal tone, intonation, and to prevent potential damage to your instrument or strings, it is strongly advised to use a different gauge string set specifically designed for this lower and extended range tuning. This will ensure proper tension and sustain.

Open String Notes

String 7 (Lowest): B0

String 6: E1

String 5: A1

String 4: D2

String 3: G2

String 2: C3

String 1 (Highest): F3