Tuning Overview

This unique 7-string Guitar tuning, named after its association with Metallica's St. Anger album and James Hetfield, is rooted in the observations made during the recording of 'Some Kind of Monster'. It's characterized by its extremely low and heavy nature, with the two lowest strings both tuned to C, creating a massive sonic foundation. The description notes that these low strings are set with low tension, allowing for a noticeable bend when plucked, contributing to a sludgy, powerful sound.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning immediately signals a commitment to raw power and a deeply resonant, heavy sound. The double C2 at the bottom end creates an incredibly thick and crushing low register, ideal for driving, downtuned metal riffs, and powerful, percussive chugging. The observed low tension on the lowest strings suggests a preference for a slightly looser, more pliable feel, conducive to aggressive picking and deep string bending. It's perfectly suited for genres demanding a colossal sonic presence, such as modern metal, sludge, and nu-metal, where a massive, guttural tone is paramount. The higher strings, while also downtuned, add a unique harmonic palette that can either complement the heavy low end with melodic lines or add dissonant texture.

Technical Analysis

The core of this tuning is a powerful C tonality, emphasized by the lowest two strings being a unison C2, and the 4th string an octave C3. This setup provides an undeniable, deep C root. The open strings are as follows:

• String 7: C2
• String 6: C2
• String 5: G2
• String 4: C3
• String 3: F3
• String 2: A3
• String 1: D4

Analyzing the intervals from the lowest C2:

• Strings 7 & 6 (C2, C2): Unison, creating extreme density.
• String 5 (G2): Perfect 5th above C.
• String 4 (C3): Octave above C2.
• String 3 (F3): Perfect 4th above C3 (or Perfect 11th from C2).
• String 2 (A3): Major 3rd above F3 (or Major 13th from C2).
• String 1 (D4): Perfect 4th above A3 (or Major 9th from C2).

Open String Chords and Harmonies

• The four lowest strings (C2, C2, G2, C3) form a colossal C5 Power Chord. This is the bedrock of the tuning, providing an incredibly thick and resonant foundation perfect for heavy riffing.
• Including the 3rd string (F3) adds a Perfect 4th (or 11th) to the C. If all strings are strummed open, the resulting notes are C, D, F, G, A. This combination suggests a very open, modal sound, perhaps hinting at a C Dorian (C-D-Eb-F-G-A-Bb) or C Mixolydian (C-D-E-F-G-A-Bb) feel if an Eb or E were present, or even a C Sus4/9/13 type of harmony. It's not a standard major or minor chord, offering a broad, atmospheric quality that can be quite menacing. The presence of F and A against the C-G base creates interesting harmonic tension and possibilities for melodic lines against a strong drone.

How to Tune

To achieve this distinctive 7-string tuning, follow these specific string adjustments from their standard positions:

• String 7 (lowest C): Tune up 1 semitone to C2. Generally, tuning up 1 semitone is safe for standard string gauges.
• String 6 (low C): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. This is a significant drop. For optimal tension and tone, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string. Tuning down 4 semitones will make a standard gauge string feel very loose.
• String 5 (G): Tune down 2 semitones to G2. This is a moderate drop and should be manageable with a standard gauge, though it will feel slightly looser.
• String 4 (C): Tune down 2 semitones to C3. Similar to string 5, this is a moderate drop and should be fine with a standard gauge.
• String 3 (F): Tune down 2 semitones to F3. A moderate drop, typically manageable with a standard gauge.
• String 2 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to A3. A moderate drop, generally fine with a standard gauge.
• String 1 (highest D): Tune down 2 semitones to D4. A moderate drop, usually suitable for a standard gauge string.

String 7: C2

String 6: C2

String 5: G2

String 4: C3

String 3: F3

String 2: A3

String 1: D4