Verbal Analysis: The Bass-Guitar Hybrid

This intriguing tuning, aptly named "Extended guitar range 7 string extra more," is designed for the adventurous player seeking to push the boundaries of a 7-string guitar. The creator envisions a single instrument capable of laying down deep, resonant bass lines while simultaneously executing intricate guitar solos. The underlying philosophy, "since low e has an a after it there should be an A after the other E and all of the tuning is an octave down," suggests a desire for a symmetrical, expansive tonal palette, diving deep into the sub-bass frequencies. This setup promises a unique playing experience, allowing for an incredibly broad sonic range that blurs the traditional lines between bass and guitar roles, perfect for progressive rock, metal, or experimental music.

Technical Analysis: An E minor 11th Powerhouse

The open strings of this 7-string tuning are set to E1-A1-D2-G2-B2-E3-A3, from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st) string. This places the entire instrument in a significantly low register, giving it a commanding presence.

Intervalic Structure:

• String 7 (E1) to String 6 (A1): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 6 (A1) to String 5 (D2): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 5 (D2) to String 4 (G2): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 4 (G2) to String 3 (B2): Major Third (M3)
• String 3 (B2) to String 2 (E3): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 2 (E3) to String 1 (A3): Perfect Fourth (P4)

This structure largely mirrors standard guitar tuning intervals (mostly perfect fourths with one major third), making it familiar for adapting common chord shapes and scales. However, the absolute low pitch transforms these into entirely new sonic textures.

Open Chords and Playability:

A significant feature of this tuning is the natural harmonic convergence of its open strings. When strummed open, the notes E-A-D-G-B-E-A coalesce into a rich E minor 11th chord (containing the root E, minor third G, perfect fifth B, minor seventh D, and perfect eleventh A). This produces an incredibly dark, resonant, and expansive sound, ideal for creating deep soundscapes, heavy chugging riffs, or providing an ambient base.

The massive range, stretching from the earth-shaking E1 to the resonant A3, offers unparalleled possibilities for melodic and harmonic exploration. The consistent P4 intervals facilitate easy transposition of power chords and lead lines across the strings, with the traditional M3 on the G-B string making familiar shapes adaptable.

Critical String Gauge Consideration:

It is paramount to note that all strings in this tuning are significantly down-tuned (7 to 8 semitones from standard 7-string B tuning). To achieve proper tension, intonation, and clarity, it is highly recommended to use a much heavier gauge string set specifically designed for extremely low tunings. Without appropriate gauges, the strings will feel extremely loose, intonation will be challenging to maintain, and the tone may suffer from excessive floppiness and lack of sustain.

How to Tune: From Standard 7-String B Tuning (B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4)

Given the extreme down-tuning required for this setup, it's strongly advised to use a heavier gauge string set than standard. Tuning any string up or down by more than 4 semitones typically necessitates a different string gauge for optimal performance.

• String 7 (Lowest String): From a standard B1, tune down 7 semitones to **E1**. (Extreme down-tuning; a very heavy gauge string is essential for playability and tension.)
• String 6: From a standard E2, tune down 7 semitones to **A1**. (Significant down-tuning; a heavy gauge string is strongly advised.)
• String 5: From a standard A2, tune down 7 semitones to **D2**. (Significant down-tuning; a heavy gauge string is strongly advised.)
• String 4: From a standard D3, tune down 7 semitones to **G2**. (Significant down-tuning; a heavy gauge string is strongly advised.)
• String 3: From a standard G3, tune down 8 semitones to **B2**. (Extreme down-tuning; a heavy gauge string is strongly advised.)
• String 2: From a standard B3, tune down 7 semitones to **E3**. (Significant down-tuning; a heavy gauge string is strongly advised.)
• String 1 (Highest String): From a standard E4, tune down 7 semitones to **A3**. (Significant down-tuning; a heavy gauge string is strongly advised.)

Given that all strings require tuning down by 7 or more semitones, a complete set of much heavier gauge strings is not just advised, but virtually essential to achieve proper tension, intonation, and a clear, focused tone without excessive fret buzz or floppiness.