The Cabbage Tuning, attributed to the renowned experimental guitarist Rob Scallon, is a highly unconventional and intriguing setup for a 7-string guitar. As its quirky name suggests, this tuning moves far beyond standard configurations, offering a rich tapestry of unique intervallic relationships and harmonic possibilities that challenge traditional playing styles. It's perfectly suited for guitarists looking to explore dissonant textures, unexpected voicings, and a broad sonic landscape.

Verbal Analysis

The Cabbage Tuning immediately stands out due to its disparate notes and lack of a conventional open chord structure. The lowest string is tuned to C2, offering a deep, resonant foundation, while the second lowest string drops significantly to A1, creating a wide and somewhat dark interval. A prominent feature is the unison B2 on both the 5th and 4th strings, providing a powerful, almost drone-like anchor around which other notes can weave. The upper strings, A3, G3, and E4, present a mix of familiar and unusual intervals, including a distinct minor second (A3-G3) and a major third (G3-E4). This combination suggests a tuning excellent for percussive, experimental, or ambient music, where specific intervallic runs and open-string dissonances can be exploited. It encourages a highly creative approach to finger placement and melodic phrasing, moving away from typical chord shapes.

Technical Analysis

The open strings of the Cabbage Tuning are as follows, from lowest (7th) to highest (1st): C2, A1, B2, B2, A3, G3, E4. This collection of notes offers several key observations:

• Broad Range: Spanning from A1 to E4, this tuning offers a wide dynamic range, allowing for deep, rumbling lows and clear, ringing highs.
• The B2 Unison/Octave: The most striking feature is the identical B2 on both the 5th and 4th strings. This creates a strong, resonant focal point and can be used as a powerful root or fifth for partial chords, or as a sustained drone.
• Dissonant Clusters: The A3-G3 (minor second) on strings 3 and 2 creates a natural, gritty dissonance that can be very expressive. When combined with the E4 on the 1st string (forming G3-E4, a major third), it offers a unique minor-second-major-third cluster (E-G-A).
• Unusual Low-End Intervals: The C2 to A1 interval (major 6th upwards, or minor 3rd downwards) creates an unexpected harmonic foundation, moving away from perfect fifths or octaves often found in drop tunings.

While not an 'open chord' tuning in the traditional sense, the Cabbage Tuning provides a fertile ground for unique voicings. The prominent B2s could serve as a solid base for two-string power chords or experimental riffs. The upper three strings (A3, G3, E4) hint at an E minor pentatonic flavor (E-G-A), which could be leveraged for melodic runs or specific chord fragments. Combined with the lower notes, one might find interesting complex chords like a B minor 7th with an added C or an A minor chord with an altered bass. The lack of conventional harmony encourages players to find new fingerings and discover chords that are specific to this tuning's geometry. It's a tuning that rewards exploration and a willingness to break free from traditional patterns.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Cabbage Tuning

Please approach tuning with care, especially with significant pitch changes. Use a reliable tuner to ensure accuracy.

• 7th String (Lowest) - Target: C2
  Tune up 1 semitone from its standard pitch to C2. This is a minor adjustment.
• 6th String - Target: A1
  Tune down 7 semitones (a perfect fifth) to A1. This is a significant drop; if your standard string gauge feels excessively loose or floppy, consider using a heavier gauge string for stability and tone.
• 5th String - Target: B2
  Tune up 2 semitones (a whole step) to B2. This is a moderate upward adjustment.
• 4th String - Target: B2
  Tune down 3 semitones (a minor third) to B2. This is a moderate downward adjustment.
• 3rd String - Target: A3
  Tune up 2 semitones (a whole step) to A3. This is a moderate upward adjustment.
• 2nd String - Target: G3
  Tune down 4 semitones (a major third) to G3. This is a considerable drop; ensure your string can handle the reduced tension, or consider a heavier gauge for optimal performance.
• 1st String (Highest) - Target: E4
  Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your highest string remains at its standard E4 pitch.