Lynx-7 Tuning: A Deep Dive

The Lynx-7 tuning is a distinctive and versatile setup for a 7-string guitar, designed to offer a wide sonic palette from deep, resonant lows to clear highs. As described by its creator, this is a 7-string evolution of the Lynx-6, with a particular emphasis on making chords like C Major, A minor, and E minor readily accessible, often utilized in transitions between these very chords.

Technical Breakdown

The open strings are tuned to C2-D2-A2-E3-G3-B3-D4, from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st) string. This configuration presents a fascinating blend of intervals:

• The lowest two strings (C2 and D2) are a whole step apart, perfect for driving, deep single-note riffs or adding a growl to power chords.
• Strings 6 (D2), 5 (A2), and 4 (E3) are tuned in perfect fifths (D-A, A-E), reminiscent of drop tunings, which makes power chord shapes incredibly easy across these strings.
• The higher strings (E3-G3-B3-D4) exhibit a pattern of minor third, major third, minor third (E-G, G-B, B-D). This configuration essentially forms an open G Major chord (G-B-D) on the top three strings, with the E3 string providing a strong root or bass note for E minor or E major shapes.

Chordal and Melodic Opportunities

As mentioned in the tuning's description, the open string notes lend themselves beautifully to several common chords:

• An open C Major chord (C-E-G) is immediately available using the 7th (C2), 4th (E3), and 3rd (G3) strings. This provides a rich, full voicing.
• A minor (A-C-E) can be voiced using the 5th (A2), 7th (C2), and 4th (E3) strings, offering a dark and resonant quality.
• E minor (E-G-B) is easily formed with the 4th (E3), 3rd (G3), and 2nd (B3) strings, creating a classic minor sound.

The presence of the low C provides an extended bass range, allowing for powerful, deep riffing, while the intervals on the mid-range strings facilitate easy power chord voicings. The upper strings, forming a G major triad, offer familiar melodic and harmonic possibilities, making this a versatile tuning for various musical styles, from progressive metal to alternative and even jazz fusion.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Lynx-7

To achieve the Lynx-7 tuning, you will adjust your strings as follows. Please ensure you tune carefully and incrementally to avoid breaking strings. Generally, tuning up more than 3 or 4 semitones or down more than 4 semitones is not advised for a given string gauge, as it can put undue stress on the instrument or lead to a floppy sound.

• 7th String (Lowest): Tune up 1 semitone to reach C2.
• 6th String: Tune down 2 semitones to reach D2.
• 5th String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at A2.
• 4th String: Tune up 2 semitones to reach E3.
• 3rd String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at G3.
• 2nd String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at B3.
• 1st String (Highest): Tune down 2 semitones to reach D4.