Tuning Description: Standard Triadic Tuning

The "Standard Triadic Tuning" for a 7-string guitar presents a distinctive and resonant character, drawing parallels to triadic tunings sometimes found in instruments like the Russian Guitar. This tuning emphasizes the note E, featuring it prominently across the lowest, middle, and highest strings, giving the instrument a rich, full-bodied resonance in the key of E.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning immediately strikes the ear with its deep E presence. The repetition of E (E2, E3, E4) across the 7th, 4th, and 1st strings creates a powerful foundational resonance. It feels open and harmonically rich, lending itself well to drone-like playing or compositions centered around the key of E. The overall voicing has a slightly melancholic yet strong character, primarily due to the E, G, B notes being present, hinting strongly at an E minor tonality. Players might find familiar chord shapes on the higher strings, but the lower and middle strings offer unique opportunities for expansive voicings and power chords.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to E2 A2 D3 E3 G3 B3 E4 (from thickest to thinnest). Let's examine the intervals between consecutive strings:

• 7th string (E2) to 6th string (A2): Perfect 4th (+5 semitones)
• 6th string (A2) to 5th string (D3): Perfect 4th (+5 semitones)
• 5th string (D3) to 4th string (E3): Major 2nd (+2 semitones) - This is a unique interval for standard guitar tunings, offering distinct voicings.
• 4th string (E3) to 3rd string (G3): Minor 3rd (+3 semitones)
• 3rd string (G3) to 2nd string (B3): Major 3rd (+4 semitones)
• 2nd string (B3) to 1st string (E4): Perfect 4th (+5 semitones)

The presence of E, G, B, and E across the open strings (E2, G3, B3, E4) strongly suggests an E minor triad as a fundamental harmony. The open 7th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings directly form an E minor chord, creating a powerful, resonant sound without any fretting.

Due to the open E notes, simple open position E minor chords are readily available and sound very full. An E major chord is also easily within reach by simply fretting the G string (3rd string) up one semitone to G#. The Perfect 4ths on the lowest strings (E-A-D) allow for easy power chords and basslines. The unusual Major 2nd interval between the 5th (D) and 4th (E) strings provides unique opportunities for voicings and drone notes not typically found in standard tuning, which players can leverage for interesting harmonic textures. The top three strings (G B E) retain the standard guitar intervals, meaning many familiar melody and chord shapes for the higher register can still be applied.

How to Tune: Standard Triadic Tuning (E A D E G B E)

To achieve the "Standard Triadic Tuning," you will be adjusting your 7-string guitar from a common standard 7-string tuning (B E A D G B E). Please proceed with care, especially for larger tuning changes. Tuning up by more than 4 semitones or down by more than 4 semitones may require a different gauge string for optimal performance and to prevent string breakage or excessive slack.

• 7th String (Thickest): Tune the B string up 5 semitones to E2. The original JSON indicates this movement with 'Tune up 5 semitones'. Note: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change; consider a heavier string gauge to prevent breakage or ensure stability.
• 6th String: Tune the E string up 5 semitones to A2. The original JSON indicates this movement with 'Tune up 5 semitones'. Note: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change; consider a heavier string gauge to prevent breakage or ensure stability.
• 5th String: Tune the A string up 5 semitones to D3. The original JSON indicates this movement with 'Tune up 5 semitones'. Note: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change; consider a heavier string gauge to prevent breakage or ensure stability.
• 4th String: Tune the D string up 2 semitones to E3. The original JSON indicates this movement with 'Tune up 2 semitones'.
• 3rd String: Keep the G string as is (no change) at G3. The original JSON indicates this movement with 'Keep as is; no change (0 semitones)'.
• 2nd String: Keep the B string as is (no change) at B3. The original JSON indicates this movement with 'Keep as is; no change (0 semitones)'.
• 1st String (Thinnest): Keep the E string as is (no change) at E4. The original JSON indicates this movement with 'Keep as is; no change (0 semitones)'.

Remember to check your guitar's intonation after making significant tuning changes. Enjoy exploring the unique sonic possibilities of the Standard Triadic Tuning!