The Almost Russian Maj3rds tuning for a 7-string guitar presents a unique and harmonically rich landscape, diverging significantly from standard tunings. As its name suggests, it draws inspiration from the distinctive tunings often found in Russian guitar traditions, with a particular emphasis on major third intervals, though not strictly between every adjacent string.

This tuning is notably versatile, as its description mentions suitability for nylon strings for Russian Guitar or a six-string electric set with heavier basses and normal trebles plus an extra d-string. This flexibility suggests it can be adapted to various musical styles and instruments, provided the string gauges are appropriate for the significant tension changes required. The standard fret markers (1, 5, 9, (13), 17, 21) are highlighted as useful guides for navigating this unique setup.

Technically, the open string notes, from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st), are: D#3, G2, B2, D#4, G3, B3, D#5. When analyzed, these notes collectively form an open G Augmented triad (G-B-D#), spanning multiple octaves. This is a highly symmetrical and distinct harmonic foundation. The presence of G2, B2, and D# across the open strings means that the guitar will resonate with this augmented harmony without any fretting.

The intervals between adjacent strings, from lowest to highest pitch, are as follows:

• String 7 (D#3) to String 6 (G2): Down 8 semitones (Major 6th down)
• String 6 (G2) to String 5 (B2): Up 4 semitones (Major 3rd)
• String 5 (B2) to String 4 (D#4): Up 16 semitones (Octave + Major 4th)
• String 4 (D#4) to String 3 (G3): Down 8 semitones (Major 6th down)
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (B3): Up 4 semitones (Major 3rd)
• String 2 (B3) to String 1 (D#5): Up 16 semitones (Octave + Major 4th)

This unique arrangement, while not strictly uniform major thirds across all adjacent strings, prominently features major third intervals (G2-B2, G3-B3) within a framework of larger, octave-spanning jumps and significant drops, creating a rich harmonic tapestry. The repeated pattern of G-B-D# provides a strong sense of augmented harmony throughout the instrument's range, making it ideal for exploring music that leverages augmented chords and symmetrical scales. Open augmented arpeggios will be readily available, and sliding shapes up and down the fretboard will readily produce parallel augmented chords, facilitating a unique melodic and harmonic approach.

Open Tuning Notes (7-String Guitar)

• String 7 (Lowest): D3#
• String 6: G2
• String 5: B2
• String 4: D4#
• String 3: G3
• String 2: B3
• String 1 (Highest): D5#

How to Tune: Adjusting to 'Almost Russian Maj3rds'

To achieve the 'Almost Russian Maj3rds' tuning, please follow these specific string adjustments:

• String 7 (D3#): Tune up 4 semitones. Important: Tuning up 4 semitones (or more) from a standard pitch can place considerable stress on your guitar neck and bridge. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string to prevent potential damage and ensure optimal tension.
• String 6 (G2): Tune up 3 semitones.
• String 5 (B2): Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D4#): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (D5#): Tune down 1 semitone.