About the allt drop c Tuning

The "allt drop c" is a unique and aggressive 7-string guitar tuning, specifically known for its use by the band Allt. As its name suggests, it is a variant of a Drop C tuning, extending it to a 7-string instrument and pushing the low end even further, creating a heavy and dark sonic landscape.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning is characterized by its exceptionally low pitch, particularly on the 7th string, which is tuned to C1. This deep foundation, combined with the overall detuning of all strings, provides an incredibly heavy and resonant sound, perfect for genres requiring immense sonic weight and impact like metal, djent, and hardcore. The 'Drop C' aspect is immediately apparent with the two lowest strings (C1 and G1) forming a perfect 5th, allowing for easy power chords with a single finger across the bottom strings. The presence of A#3 (B-flat) on the 3rd string adds a distinctive, often dissonant or bluesy flavour, preventing the tuning from being a simple major or minor scale across all open strings. This allows for complex harmonic voicings and creates tension, ideal for breakdown sections or intricate riffs.

Technical Analysis

The "allt drop c" tuning arranges the 7 strings as follows: C1 G1 C2 F2 A#3 D3 G3. Let's break down the intervals between adjacent strings:

• String 7 (C1) to String 6 (G1): A Perfect 5th (P5). This forms a foundational power chord.
• String 6 (G1) to String 5 (C2): A Perfect 4th (P4). Continues the low-end power chord structure.
• String 5 (C2) to String 4 (F2): A Perfect 4th (P4).
• String 4 (F2) to String 3 (A#3): An Augmented 4th (Tritone). This interval (6 semitones) introduces significant tension and dissonance, a hallmark of many modern heavy genres.
• String 3 (A#3) to String 2 (D3): A Major 3rd (M3).
• String 2 (D3) to String 1 (G3): A Perfect 4th (P4).

While not designed for open strummed chords in the traditional major/minor sense, this tuning facilitates specific voicings and playability:

• The open 7th, 6th, and 5th strings (C1-G1-C2) inherently form a powerful C5 chord, which is perfect for heavy, chugging riffs without additional fretting.
• The 'Drop C' interval on the lowest strings means that power chords can be easily formed by fretting a single finger across the 7th, 6th, and 5th strings at any fret. For example, fretting at the 3rd fret would yield an Eb5 power chord (Eb-Bb-Eb).
• The unique sequence of F2, A#3 (Bb3), D3, and G3 on the higher strings allows for interesting sus and minor-leaning voicings. This could imply Fsus2/4 or elements of G minor harmony over an F bass, providing versatility for melodic lines and complex chord extensions beyond simple power chords.

How to Tune

Achieving the "allt drop c" tuning involves substantial detuning for all strings. Due to the significant reduction in pitch (9 to 11 semitones), it is strongly recommended to use a set of much heavier gauge strings specifically designed for very low tunings to maintain proper string tension, intonation, and playability. Using standard gauge strings will likely result in a very loose feel, poor sustain, and intonation issues.

• String 7 (Low C): Tune this string down 11 semitones to reach C1. A very heavy gauge string is essential.
• String 6 (G): Tune this string down 9 semitones to reach G1. A heavy gauge string is essential.
• String 5 (C): Tune this string down 9 semitones to reach C2. A heavy gauge string is essential.
• String 4 (F): Tune this string down 9 semitones to reach F2. A heavy gauge string is essential.
• String 3 (A#): Tune this string down 9 semitones to reach A#3. A heavy gauge string is essential.
• String 2 (D): Tune this string down 9 semitones to reach D3. A heavy gauge string is essential.
• String 1 (High G): Tune this string down 9 semitones to reach G3. A heavy gauge string is essential.

String 7: The lowest string is tuned to C1.

String 6: The second lowest string is tuned to G1.

String 5: The middle low string is tuned to C2.

String 4: The mid-range string is tuned to F2.

String 3: This string is tuned to A#3 (B-flat 3).

String 2: The second highest string is tuned to D3.

String 1: The highest string is tuned to G3.