This is the Scale tuning, specifically designed for a 7-string Cigar Box Guitar. The original description hints at an unconventional and aggressive approach, humorously describing it as a "pink ass strumming pattern, that's crazy." This suggests a tuning that breaks from traditional norms, favoring a unique sonic landscape over standard chord voicings. It is well-suited for experimental music, blues, or any style that benefits from a deep, resonant bass and distinct melodic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to C#1, A1, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4 from lowest to highest. This tuning offers a fascinating blend of exceptionally deep bass and a more conventional upper register. The lowest string, C#1, provides an exceptionally deep foundation, followed by A1, which creates a powerful low drone or bass line in conjunction with A2. The interval between C#1 and A1 is a wide Major 6th (8 semitones), creating a distinct sonic character in the lower register.

The upper five strings (A2, D3, G3, B3, E4) strikingly resemble the tuning of a standard guitar from its A string upwards. This familiar interval structure (Perfect 4th from A2 to D3, Perfect 4th from D3 to G3, Major 3rd from G3 to B3, and Perfect 4th from B3 to E4) allows players to adapt many standard guitar chord shapes and scale patterns to this portion of the instrument, relative to the A. This creates an accessible framework for melody and harmony in the mid-to-high range, making it easier for players accustomed to standard guitar tunings to navigate.

While not an immediate open chord in the traditional sense, the tuning has strong tonal implications. The presence of A (A1, A2), C#1, and E4 hints at an A Major tonality, with C# being the major third. An A Major triad (A-C#-E) is naturally supported, and by fretting, various extended or suspended chords around A can be easily formed. The deep C#1 and A1 offer a strong, sometimes dissonant, low-end drone or bass line, perfect for a heavy, driving sound or unique rhythmic patterns suggested by the original description. Chords like A Major, D Major, G Major, and E Major could be effectively voiced, especially utilizing the familiar upper five strings, while the lower two provide an extended harmonic palette.

Open String Notes:

• String 7: C#1
• String 6: A1
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: E4

How to Tune:

Achieving the 'Scale' tuning involves significant adjustments to the lowest strings, while the upper strings remain at their standard pitches. Please tune carefully, especially for large pitch drops.

• String 7: Tune down 12 semitones from its original pitch. This is a full octave drop to C#1. For such a drastic change, it is strongly advised to use a heavier gauge string to maintain proper tension, intonation, and tone, as the original string may be too loose.
• String 6: Tune down 7 semitones from its original pitch. This is a significant drop (a perfect fifth) to A1. For optimal performance and to prevent string floppiness, consider using a heavier gauge string.
• String 5: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to A2.
• String 4: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to D3.
• String 3: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to G3.
• String 2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to B3.
• String 1: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to E4.