Verbal Analysis

This unique 7-string guitar tuning, often referred to as a standard for Brazilian Choro music, offers a rich and distinctive sonic palette. By tuning the lowest string to a C, it provides a deep, resonant bass foundation that is highly expressive and suitable for the intricate melodic and harmonic complexities of Choro. The remaining six strings maintain a standard EADGBE configuration, making it familiar to most guitarists while introducing the powerful lower register C for enhanced arrangements and improvisations.

Technical Analysis

Instrument Type:

7-string Guitar

Open String Notes:

• String 7: C2 (Lowest String)
• String 6: E2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: E4 (Highest String)

Intervals from the Lowest String:

• From String 7 (C2) to String 6 (E2): Major 3rd
• From String 6 (E2) to String 5 (A2): Perfect 4th
• From String 5 (A2) to String 4 (D3): Perfect 4th
• From String 4 (D3) to String 3 (G3): Perfect 4th
• From String 3 (G3) to String 2 (B3): Major 3rd
• From String 2 (B3) to String 1 (E4): Perfect 4th

Chordal Opportunities:

This tuning provides a versatile platform for both standard and extended voicings. The presence of the low C (String 7) immediately opens up possibilities for full, rich C Major, C Minor, and C dominant 7th chords with a strong root. For example, an open C Major triad can be formed using Strings 7 (C), 6 (E), and 3 (G). The standard EADGBE arrangement on the top six strings ensures that all common open chords (G, C, D, E minor, A minor, etc.) and barre chord shapes remain accessible and familiar. The low C can be used to add depth to these chords or to provide walking bass lines, which is a common characteristic in Choro music.

How to Tune

• String 7 (C2): Tune up 1 semitone. This means if your 7-string guitar's lowest string is typically B, you will tune it up to C. Exercise care when tuning up a string, though a 1 semitone increase is generally safe for standard string gauges.
• String 6 (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Important Note: While a 1 semitone tuning increase for String 7 is generally within safe limits for most string gauges, always proceed cautiously to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument. Tuning up more than 4 semitones or down more than 4 semitones from standard pitch usually advises a different gauge string for optimal performance and safety.

String 7 (Lowest): C2 - Tuned to C in the second octave, providing a deep bass foundation.

String 6: E2 - Tuned to E in the second octave.

String 5: A2 - Tuned to A in the second octave.

String 4: D3 - Tuned to D in the third octave.

String 3: G3 - Tuned to G in the third octave.

String 2: B3 - Tuned to B in the third octave.

String 1 (Highest): E4 - Tuned to E in the fourth octave.