Overview

This 7-string tuning, inspired by the dark and heavy soundscapes of Sleep Token, plunges the instrument into an exceptionally low and resonant realm. It delivers a colossal, almost industrial weight, perfect for crushing riffs, intricate low-end melodies, and atmospheric, dissonant textures. The repeated D# and G# across octaves create a powerful, droning foundation, while the upper strings offer unique melodic possibilities, allowing for both brutal aggression and nuanced harmonic exploration typical of modern progressive metal and djent.

Technical Analysis

• The full tuning from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st) string is D#2 G#2 D#3 G#3 C#4 F#4 A#4.
• The lowest three strings (7th, 6th, 5th) are tuned to D#2, G#2, and D#3. This configuration provides an immediate open D#5 (power) chord by striking these strings, with the D# root doubled an octave higher on the 5th string (D#2 and D#3).
• Similarly, the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings (G#2, D#3, G#3) can be played open to form an open G#5 (power) chord, reinforcing the dominant fifth of the D# root. The 6th and 4th strings are also an octave apart (G#2 and G#3), creating a full, ringing quality on these core notes.
• The upper three strings (3rd, 2nd, 1st) are tuned to C#4, F#4, and A#4. Striking these strings open creates an F# Major chord (F# A# C#), offering a distinct melodic and harmonic contrast to the lower, heavier foundations. This provides a clear, resonant major triad that can be used for brighter melodic lines or to create dissonant tension against the low D# and G#.
• The intervals between adjacent strings are: Perfect 4th (D#2-G#2), Perfect 5th (G#2-D#3), Perfect 4th (D#3-G#3), Perfect 4th (G#3-C#4), Perfect 4th (C#4-F#4), and a Minor 3rd (F#4-A#4). This unique combination of open power chords, octave doublings, and a major triad provides a versatile palette for both heavy rhythm and expressive lead work, making it ideal for genres requiring extended range and complex harmonic textures.

How to Tune:

This tuning involves significant downward adjustments for all strings from standard 7-string tuning (B2 E3 A3 D4 G4 B4 E5). Due to the substantial drop in pitch, with all movements exceeding 4 semitones, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set to maintain proper tension, intonation, and playability, and to prevent string floppiness. Standard gauge strings will likely become too loose to be playable.

• 7th String (Lowest): Tune down 8 semitones from its standard B2 to D#2.
• 6th String: Tune down 8 semitones from its standard E3 to G#2.
• 5th String: Tune down 6 semitones from its standard A3 to D#3.
• 4th String: Tune down 6 semitones from its standard D4 to G#3.
• 3rd String: Tune down 6 semitones from its standard G4 to C#4.
• 2nd String: Tune down 5 semitones from its standard B4 to F#4.
• 1st String (Highest): Tune down 6 semitones from its standard E5 to A#4.

Open String Notes:

• 7th String: D#2
• 6th String: G#2
• 5th String: D#3
• 4th String: G#3
• 3rd String: C#4
• 2nd String: F#4
• 1st String: A#4