Tuning Analysis: rocj

The 'rocj' tuning for a 7-string Guitar is a remarkably deep and resonant configuration, designed for a powerful, almost orchestral low-end sound. With its lowest string hitting C1 and a heavy emphasis on F notes throughout, this tuning creates a dense sonic foundation perfect for genres requiring immense weight and sustain.

Verbal Description

Imagine a sonic landscape draped in a cloak of deep, rumbling resonance. This tuning delivers just that. The open strings resonate with a profound, dark energy, particularly due to the multiple F notes across various octaves. It evokes the feeling of a colossal, droning machine or an ancient, powerful entity. The low C1 provides an anchoring presence, allowing the Fs to bloom with rich overtones. This setup would excel in creating ambient soundscapes, crushing riffs, or heavy, sustained chords that fill the room with an almost physical presence. It's a tuning that speaks of gravitas and intensity, moving far beyond conventional guitar voicings into a realm of pure, unadulterated power.

Technical Analysis

This 7-string tuning is essentially an F chord with a very deep C pedal tone. The open strings are: C1-F1-F1-F1-F2-F3-F3.

• Root and Harmony: The core of this tuning is a monumental F major sonority, starting on C (a perfect fifth below F). This creates a powerful F major 9th or an Fmaj/C chord when all strings are strummed open. The repetition of F across strings 6 through 1 (F1-F1-F1-F2-F3-F3) creates a massive unison/octave drone, ensuring maximum resonance and harmonic stability around the F note.
• Open Chord Voicings:
  • Strumming all strings (C1-F1-F1-F1-F2-F3-F3) yields a robust and full F major chord with a deep C bass, acting as an Fmaj9/C.
  • Playing strings 6-5-4-3-2-1 (F1-F1-F1-F2-F3-F3) alone creates an incredibly thick F major chord across several octaves, perfect for percussive, chugging riffs.
  • The low C1 provides a powerful sub-bass element that can be used for dissonant intervals or to root progressions in a unique way.
• Accessible Chords and Shapes:
  • Barre Chords: Due to the consistent F notes on strings 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, a single finger barred across these strings at any fret will produce a powerful, thick chord. For instance, barring at the 1st fret (G) will yield a G chord, at the 3rd fret (A) an A chord, etc., all with open C1 as a deep drone.
  • Power Chords: Power chords built off the C1 (7th) or F1 (6th) strings will be incredibly fat and easy to execute. The repeated Fs in the mid-range will naturally complement these power chords.
  • Drone Textures: The inherent open F major chord provides an excellent basis for drone-based music, where simple melodic lines can be played over the sustained open strings.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'rocj' tuning, you will be performing significant downward adjustments on most strings. Please be mindful of string tension, especially with larger drops, and consider using heavier gauge strings for optimal tone and stability where advised.

• String 7 (Lowest String): Tune down 1 semitones to C1.
• String 6: Tune down 1 semitones to F1.
• String 5: Tune down 6 semitones to F1. Caution: This is a significant drop. A different gauge string is advised for optimal performance and to avoid potential floppiness or intonation issues.
• String 4: Tune down 11 semitones to F1. Warning: This is a very large drop, nearly an entire octave. A different gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 3: Tune down 4 semitones to F2. Caution: This is a significant drop. A different gauge string is advised for optimal performance.
• String 2: Tune down 6 semitones to F3. Caution: This is a significant drop. A different gauge string is advised for optimal performance.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune down 11 semitones to F3. Warning: This is a very large drop, nearly an entire octave. A different gauge string is strongly advised.

Here are the notes for each string in this tuning:

• String 7: C1
• String 6: F1
• String 5: F1
• String 4: F1
• String 3: F2
• String 2: F3
• String 1: F3