"Drop G/D 7 String" Tuning Analysis

The Drop G/D 7 String tuning, famously utilized by progressive metal powerhouses like Northlane, is an exceptionally heavy and extended-range setup for the 7-string guitar. This tuning descends deep into the sub-bass frequencies, creating a colossal sonic foundation.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning is the bedrock for modern, aggressive metal, djent, and progressive genres, where immense sonic depth, percussive attack, and articulate low-end clarity are paramount. The incredibly low D1 and G1 strings deliver a thunderous, chest-rattling experience, ideal for crushing, downtempo riffs, complex polyrhythmic patterns, and expansive soundscapes. It provides an almost bass-guitar-like range while retaining the expressive capabilities of a guitar. The unique intervals between the lower strings offer distinct voicings and textural possibilities, making it a powerful tool for crafting both brutal and atmospheric compositions.

Technical Analysis

The full tuning is laid out as D1 G1 D2 G2 C3 E3 A3. Let's break down its structure:

• The lowest string, D1, offers an incredibly deep fundamental, extending the instrument's range significantly below standard 7-string tunings.
• The lowest two strings (D1 and G1) are a perfect fourth apart, a common interval in drop tunings for thick power chords.
• The D-G-D-G pattern across the lowest four strings (Strings 7 through 4) forms a series of power chord voicings that are highly accessible. This 'drop' configuration allows for easy one-finger power chords by barring across these strings, facilitating rapid, heavy riffing. For example, fretting these four strings at the first fret yields an Eb5/Bb5 voicing.
• The upper three strings (C3 E3 A3) present an A minor arpeggio (or C major inverted). Combined with the lower strings, the open tuning D-G-D-G-C-E-A provides a complex, rich, and somewhat dissonant open chord that can be leveraged for unique textural effects. While not a simple major or minor chord, this open voicing offers a dark and expansive sound that can be easily manipulated into various chord shapes by adding a single finger.
• Due to the open G on string 6 and open D on string 5, simple 5th and octave chords can be easily formed.
• The entire open tuning, D1-G1-D2-G2-C3-E3-A3, does not resolve to a single simple chord but creates a suspended, open voicing (Gadd9/D) with an added C3 and A3 that lends itself to atmospheric and dissonant textures.
• The presence of both a low D and G allows for dynamic interplay between these two roots, offering flexibility in key and harmonic direction.

How to Tune Your Guitar

Achieving the 'Drop G/D 7 String' tuning requires significant downward adjustments across all strings. Due to the extreme nature of these changes, particularly the -7 and -9 semitone drops, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set specifically designed for very low tunings. This will help maintain adequate string tension, improve intonation, prevent string floppiness, and ensure optimal playability.

• String 7 (Lowest): Tune down 9 semitones to D1.
• String 6: Tune down 9 semitones to G1.
• String 5: Tune down 7 semitones to D2.
• String 4: Tune down 7 semitones to G2.
• String 3: Tune down 7 semitones to C3.
• String 2: Tune down 7 semitones to E3.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune down 7 semitones to A3.

Always tune slowly and check your guitar's intonation after making such drastic changes to ensure the best possible sound.