Verbal Analysis

The 'Drop D Unison 7th' tuning is a captivating variation on the classic Drop D, crafted for guitarists who want to blend robust low-end power with distinctive harmonic textures. The immediate benefit of the dropped 6th string (to D) is the accessibility of powerful, open D power chords, making it a favorite for heavy rock, metal, and grunge styles. However, the true innovation lies in the top two strings, both tuned to Middle C (C4). This unison creates a unique, shimmering quality in the higher register, perfect for ethereal melodic lines, drone effects, or unexpected harmonic colorations. The open string configuration of D2-A2-D3-G3-C4-C4 provides a rich, complex sonority that can be interpreted as a D minor 7th chord (D-A-C) with an added G (a Dsus4(add b7) or Dmin7sus4 voicing). This readily available open chord facilitates instant songwriting inspiration, particularly for genres that appreciate both sonic weight and intricate, sometimes melancholic, harmonic depth, such as progressive rock, alternative, or even experimental soundscapes.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the standard 6-string guitar to the following pitches from lowest (6th string) to highest (1st string): D2, A2, D3, G3, C4, C4. Key technical observations include:

• Dropped 6th String (D2): The lowest string is tuned a whole step down from E2 to D2, mirroring the popular Drop D tuning, which provides a strong, resonant bass foundation.
• Standard Middle Strings (A2, D3, G3): The 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings remain at their standard pitches, offering familiarity for scale patterns and common chord shapes in the middle register.
• Unison High Strings (C4, C4): The 2nd string is tuned up 1 semitone from B3 to C4, and the 1st string is tuned down 4 semitones from E4 to C4. This creates a unison C4 on the two highest strings, which is the defining characteristic of this tuning's unique harmonic flavor.

The open strings D2-A2-D3-G3-C4-C4 collectively form an intriguing chord. Analyzing it relative to D, we have D (root), A (perfect 5th), G (perfect 4th), and C (minor 7th). This means the open tuning creates a Dsus4(add b7) or Dmin7sus4 chord, offering a unique harmonic landscape without any fretting. Power chords on the lower three strings (D-A-D) become effortless, requiring only a single finger across the frets. However, standard open chord shapes will need significant reinterpretation or new voicings discovered, especially due to the unison on the highest two strings, encouraging a fresh approach to the fretboard.

How to Tune

To tune your guitar to 'Drop D Unison 7th' from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), carefully follow these instructions:

1. 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
2. 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It will remain at A2.
3. 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It will remain at D3.
4. 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It will remain at G3.
5. 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitones from B3 to C4.
6. 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones from E4 to C4.

Important Note on String Tension: Please exercise caution when altering string tension. For string movements exceeding 4 semitones in either direction (up or down), a different string gauge might be advisable to maintain optimal playability, intonation, and string longevity. The 1st string in this tuning requires a drop of 4 semitones, which is at the threshold where considering a lighter gauge string could be beneficial for long-term comfort and performance.

6th String: D2 (Low D)

5th String: A2 (Standard A)

4th String: D3 (Standard D)

3rd String: G3 (Standard G)

2nd String: C4 (Middle C)

1st String: C4 (Middle C)