Verbal Analysis

The "7Strings M3 in C" is a highly unconventional and expressive tuning for a 7-string guitar, centered around the key of C. While its official description suggests an "All Thirds" structure, the actual open string intervals offer a more intricate and musically rich landscape. This tuning creates a distinct, open, and resonant sound, perfect for players seeking unique voicings and harmonic possibilities beyond standard tunings. It spans a broad two-octave range, from a deep C2 on the lowest string to a bright C4 on the highest, allowing for both powerful low-end presence and shimmering upper-register clarity.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is primarily built upon the notes C, E, and G#—the constituents of a C Augmented Triad. While not strictly "all thirds" between *adjacent* strings, the tuning systematically utilizes these three notes across different octaves to form its harmonic foundation. The string configuration is as follows, from lowest (7th) to highest (1st) string:

Open String Intervals:

• String 7 (C2) to String 6 (E2): Major Third (4 semitones)
• String 6 (E2) to String 5 (G#3): Octave + Major Third (16 semitones)
• String 5 (G#3) to String 4 (C3): Descending Major Sixth (9 semitones down relative to G#3) – This creates an interesting intervallic 'jump'.
• String 4 (C3) to String 3 (E3): Major Third (4 semitones)
• String 3 (E3) to String 2 (G#4): Octave + Major Third (16 semitones)
• String 2 (G#4) to String 1 (C4): Major Third (4 semitones)

Chordal & Melodic Implications

The open strings themselves form a vibrant C Augmented chord (C-E-G#), which can be an immediate source of tension and color. This tuning naturally lends itself to exploring augmented harmonies, making augmented triads and arpeggios highly accessible across the fretboard. Melodically, the repeating C, E, G# notes at various octaves provide a rich canvas for exotic scales and lead lines, particularly those incorporating augmented or whole-tone scales. While traditional major and minor chord shapes will require significant re-fingering due to the absence of perfect fourths and fifths between most strings, the consistent Major Third intervals (C2-E2, C3-E3, G#4-C4) and octave-shifted Major Thirds (E2-G#3, E3-G#4) mean that certain three-note chord voicings will be relatively easy to discover and transpose. This tuning is ideal for genres like progressive metal, jazz fusion, experimental music, or cinematic soundscapes where conventional harmony is often subverted for more unique sonic textures.

Tuning Notes

• String 7 (lowest): C2
• String 6: E2
• String 5: G#3
• String 4: C3
• String 3: E3
• String 2: G#4
• String 1 (highest): C4

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "7Strings M3 in C" tuning, follow these specific adjustments for each string from its current state. It's crucial to use a precise digital tuner for accuracy. The 'fret_text' describes the exact movement in semitones.

• String 7 (C2): Tune up 1 semitones.
• String 6 (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (G#3): Tune down 1 semitones.
• String 4 (C3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 3 (E3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 2 (G#4): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 1 (C4): Tune down 4 semitones.

Important Tuning Advice:

When tuning, always turn your tuning pegs slowly and carefully, especially when increasing tension. For any string movement that exceeds 4 semitones (either up or down), it is highly recommended to consider using a different gauge string. This helps prevent string breakage and potential neck damage, while also improving tuning stability and playability. For this tuning, String 1 requires a descent of 4 semitones, which is at the threshold where a lighter gauge string might be beneficial.