This is a deeply unique and resonant 7-string guitar tuning, thoughtfully designed for creating evocative soundscapes. The creator's description highlights its capacity for "solemn and depressed tones, with sprinkles of hope and enchantment," and its versatility is rooted in the notes A, B, E, and F# belonging to four adjacent keys on the Circle of Fifths (G, D, A, E). This makes the tuning particularly adept at navigating subtle harmonic shifts and creating modal ambiguities.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to B1 E2 F#3 A2 F#4 B3 E4. What immediately stands out is the non-linear progression of notes. Unlike standard tunings where strings typically ascend in pitch, this tuning features significant descending intervals between certain strings. For example, String 5 (F#3) is followed by String 4 (A2), which is a major 6th lower. Similarly, String 3 (F#4) is followed by String 2 (B3), which is a perfect 4th lower. This creates a rich, complex harmonic texture when played open, emphasizing drone possibilities and unusual voicings rather than traditional chord shapes.

The presence of B, E, F#, and A across the strings allows for a wide array of modal explorations. While conventional open chords might be challenging due to the disparate string pitches, the tuning naturally lends itself to open fifths and octaves (e.g., B1-B3, E2-E4, F#3-F#4) for powerful, sustained drones. You can find elements of B minor, E major, and A major within the open notes. Experimenting with two or three-string clusters will likely yield unique harmonies such as Bsus2 (B-E-F# on strings 7, 6, 5) or Emaj7(no 3rd) (E-B-F# on strings 6, 2, 3), offering a distinctive palette for atmospheric compositions. The frequent repetition of B, E, and F# across different octaves further reinforces the drone-like quality, creating a sustained, resonant sound ideal for ambient or experimental styles.

How to Tune

Achieving this tuning requires careful adjustment of several strings. Please note the significant drop on one string; a different string gauge is highly recommended for tuning down 5 semitones to prevent excessive looseness or potential string damage on a standard gauge.

• String 7 (B1): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 6 (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (F#3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 4 (A2): Tune down 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning a string down by 5 or more semitones often requires a heavier gauge string to maintain proper tension and intonation. Using a standard gauge may result in a very floppy string.
• String 3 (F#4): Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 2 (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Here are the specific notes for each string in this unique 7-string guitar tuning, from the lowest (thickest) to the highest (thinnest):

• String 7: B1
• String 6: E2
• String 5: F#3
• String 4: A2
• String 3: F#4
• String 2: B3
• String 1: E4