The Vildhjarta C tuning, evocatively named "måsstadens nationalsång (under vatten)" which translates to "Måsstrad's national anthem (underwater)," is an exceptionally low and heavy tuning designed for 7-string guitars. This tuning is synonymous with the band Vildhjarta's signature "Thall" sound, characterized by its guttural, djent-infused aggression, and dark, atmospheric textures.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning places the lowest string at a thunderous C1, providing an incredibly deep foundation. The full open string notes from lowest to highest are: C1 - G1 - C2 - F2 - A3# - D4# - G4#.

• Root Note: The tuning is firmly rooted in C, with the lowest string establishing an earth-shattering bass presence.
• Power Chord Foundation: The lowest three strings (C1-G1-C2) immediately form a perfect C5 power chord. This arrangement is ideal for creating immensely thick, chugging riffs and rhythmic impact with minimal effort.
• Upper Register Dissonance & Ambiguity: The upper strings (F2-A3#-D4#-G4#) introduce a fascinating blend of intervals. The F2 to A3# (A-sharp, enharmonically B-flat) creates a tritone, a highly dissonant interval that adds tension and a modern, menacing quality. The subsequent intervals of A3#-D4# (perfect fourth) and D4#-G4# (perfect fourth) are characteristic of open, suspended, or jazz-fusion voicings, often exploited in progressive metal for complex chord formations and atmospheric textures.
• Overall Impression: The blend of the incredibly low and stable C-G-C foundation with the more dissonant and stacked-fourth upper strings results in a sound that is both crushingly heavy and harmonically intricate. It is perfectly suited for intricate, syncopated rhythms and expansive, yet murky, lead lines.

Open Chords and Playability:

While traditional open major or minor chords are not readily formed across all strings in this tuning, its strength lies in its capacity for:

• One-Finger Power Chords: The C1-G1-C2 configuration on the lowest three strings allows for easy movable power chords by simply barring a single finger across these strings up the neck. This facilitates rapid, heavy riffing and chugging.
• Dissonant Voicings: The unique intervals in the upper register (particularly the tritone between string 4 and 3) strongly encourage the exploration of dissonant, atmospheric chords and arpeggios, which are hallmarks of the Djent and Thall genres. Specific voicings can achieve suspended or augmented sounds by selectively muting or fretting.
• Thall-Style Riffing: This tuning is custom-made for low, percussive, and highly syncopated riffs. The extreme tension provided by the C1 and the inherent dissonance allows for a very tight and punchy attack, essential for the genre's distinct feel.

Expect a dark, brooding, and immensely powerful sound, perfect for modern metal that pushes the boundaries of low-end sonic impact and harmonic complexity.

How to Tune: Vildhjarta C

Achieving the Vildhjarta C tuning requires significant adjustments. Due to the extreme nature of these string movements, a heavier gauge string set is strongly advised across all strings to maintain proper tension, intonation, and prevent breakage. Consider having your guitar professionally set up for this specific tuning to ensure optimal playability and intonation.

• String 7 (Lowest String): Tune down 11 semitones to a thunderous C1. This is an extreme drop, necessitating a very heavy gauge string to maintain tension and avoid floppiness.
• String 6: Tune down 9 semitones to G1. This is a substantial drop from standard, and a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended.
• String 5: Tune down 9 semitones to C2. Another significant drop that will greatly benefit from a heavier gauge string.
• String 4: Tune down 9 semitones to F2. This large drop also benefits significantly from a heavier gauge string to ensure proper tension and tone.
• String 3: Tune down 9 semitones to A3#. A very large drop, demanding a heavier gauge string to maintain playability and intonation.
• String 2: Tune down 8 semitones to D4#. This considerable drop makes a thicker string advisable for optimal performance.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune down 8 semitones to G4#. A significant drop where a heavier gauge string is highly recommended to prevent the string from feeling too loose.