Verbal Analysis

The "Slashes' C# Drop Tuning" is an incredibly heavy and resonant 7-string guitar tuning, specifically designed for a powerful, low-end sonic assault. Drawing inspiration from "slashes//" music, this tuning plunges the guitar into the depths, creating a landscape rich with deep, grinding riffs and thick textures. It's a tuning that screams for aggressive, palm-muted chugging and sprawling, atmospheric soundscapes in genres like progressive metal, djent, or experimental rock.

What makes this tuning truly unique is its unconventional string arrangement. While many tunings maintain a consistent pitch progression, this one features a dramatic "dip" in the middle, with the 3rd string tuned significantly lower than the 4th. This creates unexpected harmonic possibilities and opens the door for exceptionally wide voicings and dissonances that can be both jarring and compelling. The repeated Perfect Fourth intervals on the outer strings, however, provide a familiar foundation for powerful, movable chord shapes, allowing for chunky, driving rhythms despite the complex underlying structure.

Technical Analysis

This 7-string tuning features the following open notes, from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st) string: C#2, F#2, C#3, F#3, B2, C#4, F#4.

• The tuning is primarily built around the notes C# and F#, creating a dominant C#add4 (or F#sus4/F#5) tonality across most strings.
• A striking feature is the succession of Perfect Fourth (P4) intervals between the 7th (C#2), 6th (F#2), 5th (C#3), and 4th (F#3) strings. This allows for extremely easy formation of power chord-like voicings and heavy riffs by simply barring or using adjacent fingers. The same P4 interval is found between the 2nd (C#4) and 1st (F#4) strings.
• The most unconventional aspect is the 3rd string, tuned to B2. This note is significantly lower than the 4th string (F#3) and even the 5th string (C#3), creating a large inverted interval and a distinct "dip" in the pitch progression. The jump from the 3rd string (B2) to the 2nd string (C#4) is a substantial major 9th, requiring careful navigation for melody and lead work but offering unique intervallic possibilities.

• Open Chord Possibilities:

  When strummed open, the tuning creates a rich, dissonant, and full sound.
  • The open strings strongly emphasize the C# and F# notes, lending themselves to powerful, fourth-based voicings.
  • Chords like C#sus4 (C#, F#, G#) can be easily implied or formed with minimal fretting, though the G# is not present open. The prevalent C# and F# notes provide a strong foundation.
  • The B2 on the 3rd string adds a heavy, sometimes clashing, element that can be utilized for deep, drone-like sounds or specific low-end accents, particularly when juxtaposed against the higher C# and F# notes.
  • The structure makes it effortless to play heavy, one-finger or two-finger power shapes across the lower C#/F# strings.

Tuning Notes

• String 7 (Lowest): C#2
• String 6: F#2
• String 5: C#3
• String 4: F#3
• String 3: B2
• String 2: C#4
• String 1 (Highest): F#4

How to Tune

This tuning involves significant adjustments from a standard guitar tuning. Please exercise caution and consider using a heavier gauge of strings, especially for movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down. All strings in this tuning are tuned down considerably.

• String 7 (Lowest): Tune down 10 semitones to C#2. This is a very substantial drop, making a heavier gauge string highly advisable.
• String 6: Tune down 10 semitones to F#2. Another significant drop, a heavier string gauge is recommended here as well.
• String 5: Tune down 8 semitones to C#3. This is a large drop, and a heavier gauge string would be beneficial for optimal tension and tone.
• String 4: Tune down 8 semitones to F#3. Similar to String 5, this warrants consideration for a heavier gauge string.
• String 3: Tune down 8 semitones to B2. This is a deep drop and creates the unusual "dip" in the tuning. A heavier gauge string is recommended.
• String 2: Tune down 10 semitones to C#4. This is a considerable drop from a typical string 2 pitch; a heavier gauge string is advised.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune down 10 semitones to F#4. The highest string also undergoes a large drop, making a heavier gauge string advisable for stability and sound.

Given all strings are tuned down 8 or 10 semitones, a complete set of heavier gauge strings specifically designed for very low tunings on a 7-string guitar is strongly recommended to maintain proper string tension, intonation, and playability, and to prevent potential damage to the guitar.