The "All C# Tuning" is a truly unique and monolithic setup for a 7-string guitar. As its name suggests, every single open string is tuned to a C#, spanning multiple octaves from a deep C2# to a bright C5#. This creates an incredibly resonant, dense, and unified sonic landscape.

Technical Analysis: This is an open unison/octave tuning where all strings share the same fundamental note. It eliminates traditional intervals between open strings, drastically re-imagining how the fretboard functions. This setup is a playground for drone music, experimental sound design, and heavy, detuned riffing where a thick, sustained root note is paramount. It allows for effortless unison and octave playing across the entire fretboard, making melodic lines incredibly powerful and thick.

Open String Chords & Harmonic Possibilities

With all strings tuned to C#, playing them open will produce a colossal C# unison/octave chord, perfect for sustained drones or massive, percussive attacks. Traditional chord shapes will be completely redefined; instead of familiar voicings, you'll be able to create unique clusters and harmonies by fretting notes relative to the C# root on each string. For example, to create a C# minor triad (C#-E-G#), you would fret the E on one string and G# on another, knowing all other open strings are already C#. This tuning is particularly potent for:

• Thick Unison/Octave Lines: Effortlessly play melodies across multiple strings, each note ringing out in unison or octaves.
• Drone Textures: Use the open strings as a constant, resonant foundation for improvisations or ambient soundscapes.
• Heavy Riffing: Achieve an incredibly low and powerful sound with single-finger power chords (root and fifth) by simply fretting the desired interval on adjacent strings.
• Experimental Harmonies: Explore unique voicings by building chords chromatically on top of the C# foundation.

How to Tune

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard E standard or even B standard for a 7-string. Please follow these instructions carefully:

• String 7 (Lowest): Tune down 10 semitones to C2#.
• String 6: Tune down 3 semitones to C3#.
• String 5: Tune down 8 semitones to C3#.
• String 4: Tune down 1 semitone to C4#.
• String 3: Tune down 6 semitones to C4#.
• String 2: Tune down 10 semitones to C4#.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune down 3 semitones to C5#.

Important String Gauge Warning: Due to the substantial pitch changes, especially tuning down by 6, 8, or even 10 semitones on several strings, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set specifically designed for lower tunings. Tuning beyond 4 semitones up or down from a string's intended pitch can put excessive tension (if tuning up) or cause slackness/poor intonation (if tuning down) with standard gauge strings.

This tuning also explicitly requires a 7-string instrument to achieve the specified range and low C2#.

String 7 (Lowest String): C2#

String 6: C3#

String 5: C3#

String 4: C4#

String 3: C4#

String 2: C4#

String 1 (Highest String): C5#