Tuning Analysis: Drop A/D

As the description states, "For when drop A just isn't heavy enough", this 7-string guitar tuning, named Drop A/D, plunges the instrument into an exceptionally low and resonant register. It's a tuning designed for sonic impact, delivering immense depth and a growling foundation perfect for genres like metal, djent, and progressive rock where extreme low-end is paramount.

Technical Observations

The open string notes are configured as D1-A1-E2-A2-D3-F4#-B3 (lowest to highest). This arrangement creates a powerful, extended-range soundscape. Here's a breakdown of the intervals and potential chord voicings:

• Extreme Low-End: The 7th string tuned to D1 and the 6th to A1 provide an unbelievably deep bass foundation, reminiscent of an extended-range bass guitar. This allows for incredibly heavy riffs and a wall of sound.
• Power Chords:
  • Strumming strings 7 and 6 (D1-A1) yields a massive D5 power chord.
  • Strings 6, 5, and 4 (A1-E2-A2) naturally form an A5 power chord, making drop-style chugging riffs on the lower strings highly accessible.
  • Strings 4 and 3 (A2-D3) also create an easily reachable D5 power chord.
• Open Chords & Harmony:
  • The bottom five strings (D1-A1-E2-A2-D3) form a rich Dsus4 voicing, offering a full, resonant chord without fretting.
  • Interestingly, strings 4, 3, and 2 (A2-D3-F4#) create an open D major triad, adding a surprising element of brightness and harmonic complexity amidst the darkness of the lower strings.
  • When all seven strings are strummed open, the full chord is a complex Dmaj13(add9) (D-F#-A-B-D-E), providing a blend of deep power, harmonic richness, and a slightly dissonant edge due to the wide intervals.
• Playability & Challenges: The multiple occurrences of A and D across the tuning facilitate droning and the construction of single-finger or two-finger power chords. However, the wide interval jumps, particularly between String 3 (D3) and String 2 (F4# – a Major 10th), and String 2 (F4#) and String 1 (B3 – a descending Perfect 5th or ascending Major 7th), mean that standard chord shapes will be significantly altered or largely unusable. This tuning encourages a riff-centric, single-note, or partial-chord approach, especially in the higher register, utilizing the unique voicings it provides.

How to Tune

Given the significant pitch changes required for this tuning, it is highly recommended to consider a heavier gauge string set designed for extended range and lower tunings to ensure optimal tension, intonation, and playability for all strings. Proceed with caution when tuning.

• String 7 (Lowest): Tune down 9 semitones to D1.
• String 6: Tune down 7 semitones to A1.
• String 5: Tune down 5 semitones to E2.
• String 4: Tune down 5 semitones to A2.
• String 3: Tune down 5 semitones to D3.
• String 2: Tune down 5 semitones to F4#.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune down 5 semitones to B3.