This is an exceptionally deep and unique tuning for a 7-string guitar, designed to deliver a heavy, resonant sound often sought in modern metal, djent, and experimental music. With the lowest string tuned to D#2, it ventures into very low frequency territory, providing a powerful sonic foundation. The significant down-tuning across all strings will result in a slacker string feel, which can enhance playability for bends and vibrato, but may necessitate a heavier string gauge for optimal tension and intonation. The tuning description notes it as "D#1 for 7 string but bottom 7th string is a D# instead of D", indicating its strong focus on a very low D#.

Technical Analysis

• The full open string tuning from lowest to highest is D#2 - A1 - D2 - G2 - C3 - E3 - A3.
• The intervals between ascending strings are:
• String 7 (D#2) to String 6 (A1): Diminished 5th (A1 is a tritone below D#2), introducing immediate harmonic tension.
• String 6 (A1) to String 5 (D2): Perfect 4th
• String 5 (D2) to String 4 (G2): Perfect 4th
• String 4 (G2) to String 3 (C3): Perfect 4th
• String 3 (C3) to String 2 (E3): Major 3rd
• String 2 (E3) to String 1 (A3): Perfect 4th
• This tuning predominantly features stacked Perfect 4ths, creating a linear fretboard layout conducive to scalar runs and consistent chord shapes across these strings. The Major 3rd between C3 and E3 provides a familiar break in the pattern.
• The distinctive Diminished 5th interval between the two lowest strings is the most notable feature, indicating a deliberate design for dissonance or specific single-note riffing rather than conventional open chord voicings involving the 7th string.

Chords and Harmonic Potential

• Playing strings 6-5-4-3-2-1 open (A1-D2-G2-C3-E3-A3) creates a rich **A minor 11th chord** (A-C-E-G-D with a doubled A), offering a full, complex sound ideal for ambient passages or progressive harmony.
• The open strings 4-3-2-1 (G2-C3-E3-A3) form a clear **C major 6th chord** (C-E-G-A) or an **Am7/C**, providing a sweet and consonant option.
• The stacked Perfect 4ths across strings 6-5-4-3 allow for intuitive power chords and suspended voicings by simply fretting horizontally across these strings.
• The low D#2 on the 7th string is excellent for driving, percussive riffs, particularly in heavier genres. Its dissonant relationship with the open A1 suggests its use for aggressive, single-note bass lines or for creating unique, tense harmonic structures.
• Players will need to adapt their traditional chord shapes, especially when incorporating the 7th string, but this also unlocks new creative possibilities for voicings and riffs.

How to Tune

Important Note on String Gauge: All strings in this tuning are significantly lowered (7 to 8 semitones, exceeding a 4 semitone movement). For optimal playability, intonation, and tone, it is highly recommended to use a substantially heavier string gauge than you would for standard tuning. Failing to do so may result in excessively loose strings, poor intonation, and a muddy sound.

• String 7 (Lowest Bass String): Tune down 8 semitones to D#2.
• String 6: Tune down 7 semitones to A1.
• 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 Treble String): Tune down 7 semitones to A3.

String 7 (lowest): D#2

String 6: A1

String 5: D2

String 4: G2

String 3: C3

String 2: E3

String 1 (highest): A3