This is a highly structured and innovative 7-string Guitar tuning named "Asus4 A/D (1st Inversion)," often referred to by its memorable nickname "Pronounced: DED-DED." As its nickname suggests, the tuning significantly emphasizes the notes D, E, and A, creating a distinctive and resonant sonic landscape. It is described as a variation of major thirds tuning, uniquely incorporating a Major 2nd and two Perfect 4ths in a repeating pattern across its seven strings, specifically (D-E-A) across different octaves.

Technical Analysis: Open Strings and Intervals

The open strings of this 7-string guitar are tuned to D2-E2-A2-D3-E3-A3-D4 (from the lowest, 7th string, to the highest, 1st string). Examining the intervals between adjacent strings reveals the underlying logic of this tuning:

• String 7 (D2) to String 6 (E2): Major 2nd (2 semitones)
• String 6 (E2) to String 5 (A2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (D3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (E3): Major 2nd (2 semitones)
• String 3 (E3) to String 2 (A3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (D4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)

This systematic pattern of a Major 2nd followed by two Perfect 4ths (2-5-5 semitones) simplifies chord memorization and movement on the fretboard. The open strings themselves form a rich Dsus4add9 voicing (D-E-A-D-E-A-D), providing a stable and harmonically interesting foundation for exploration.

Chordal Possibilities and Fretboard Logic

The design of this tuning facilitates various chord types with minimal effort, as outlined in its description:

• Open Sus2 Chord: Playing strings S7 (D2), S6 (E2), and S5 (A2) creates a Dsus2 chord (D-E-A).
• Minor Chord: By fretting the 1st fret on S6 (F2) and then playing S7, S6, and S5, a D minor chord (D-F-A) is easily achieved.
• Major Chord: Fret the 2nd fret on S6 (F♯2), then playing S7, S6, and S5 creates a D Major chord (D-F♯-A).
• Sus4 Chord: Fret the 3rd fret on S6 (G2), then playing S7, S6, and S5 creates a Dsus4 chord (D-G-A).

For all these Sus2, Minor, Major, and Sus4 chords, adding the open S4 (D3) provides an octave, reinforcing the D root. The consistent Perfect 4th intervals present in the tuning (E-A, A-D, E-A, A-D) make power chords (e.g., C5, D5, E5, F5, G5, A5, B5) exceptionally easy to form and transpose vertically across the fretboard, requiring only simple horizontal shifts for different roots. This tuning is particularly well-suited for players seeking a logical, symmetrical, and versatile approach to chord shapes, arpeggios, and scales across the neck.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "Asus4 A/D (1st Inversion)" tuning on your 7-string guitar, follow these precise adjustments. For reference, these movements are typically relative to a standard 7-string tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E):

• String 7 (Lowest String): Tune up 3 semitones to D2. Please exercise caution when tuning up 3 semitones, as this is a notable increase in string tension.
• String 6: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E2.
• String 5: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3: Tune down 3 semitones to E3. Please exercise caution when tuning down 3 semitones, as this is a notable decrease in string tension.
• String 2: Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

As a general guideline for any tuning, if a string needs to be tuned up or down by 4 or more semitones, it is often advisable to consider using a different gauge string to ensure optimal performance, avoid potential string breakage, and maintain proper intonation.

The open notes for the "Asus4 A/D (1st Inversion)" tuning are as follows, listed from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st) string:

• String 7: D2
• String 6: E2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: E3
• String 2: A3
• String 1: D4