Verbal Analysis

The 'Deep E Polyphonic Drop' tuning for a 7-string guitar offers an incredibly deep and resonant foundation, starting with a powerful E at the lowest string. The initial E-B-E configuration on the three lowest strings provides an immediate, crushing E5 power chord, perfect for heavy rock, metal, or creating expansive, drone-like soundscapes. As you move up the neck, the tuning takes an unconventional turn. After a series of perfect fourths, there's an unusually large leap in pitch to the second highest string (F4#), followed by the highest string (B3) actually being lower in pitch than its adjacent lower string. This creates a fascinating, almost avant-garde characteristic on the higher register, challenging conventional playing techniques and inviting experimental approaches to melody and texture. It's a tuning that will resonate deeply and sound vast, but requires a thoughtful approach to the upper strings.

Technical Analysis

• Open String Notes: E1, B1, E2, A2, D3, F4#, B3 (from lowest to highest)
• Intervals (from lowest string up):
  • String 7 (E1) to String 6 (B1): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
  • String 6 (B1) to String 5 (E2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
  • String 5 (E2) to String 4 (A2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
  • String 4 (A2) to String 3 (D3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
  • String 3 (D3) to String 2 (F4#): Major 3rd + Octave (16 semitones). This is an exceptionally large interval between adjacent strings, suggesting a very wide melodic or harmonic range.
  • String 2 (F4#) to String 1 (B3): Perfect 4th (down 5 semitones). Crucially, the highest string (String 1) is tuned lower in pitch than String 2, which is highly unusual for a standard guitar tuning layout.
• Open String Chords: The lowest three strings (E1, B1, E2) form a powerful E5 (E Power Chord). When all strings are strummed open (E, B, E, A, D, F#, B), the resulting harmony contains notes from the E Dorian or E Mixolydian scale (E, F#, A, B, D). The widely spaced intervals and the descending final string create a very open, possibly dissonant, or highly resonant sound, rather than a conventional chord.
• Implications: The consistent perfect fourths on the mid-range strings (E2 to D3) will allow for familiar chord shapes and scale patterns in that region. However, the extreme jump to F4# and the descending B3 string will drastically alter lead playing and chord voicings on the upper strings, requiring players to re-think their fretboard navigation and potentially leading to unique melodic and harmonic possibilities. The very low E1 combined with the high F4# provides an expansive tonal palette.

String 7 (Lowest): E1

String 6: B1

String 5: E2

String 4: A2

String 3: D3

String 2: F4#

String 1 (Highest): B3

How to Tune (from Standard 7-String B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4)

• String 7 (Lowest): Start at B1 (Standard). Tune down 7 semitones to E1. Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tone and tension.
• String 6: Start at E2 (Standard). Tune down 5 semitones to B1. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tone and tension.
• String 5: Start at A2 (Standard). Tune down 5 semitones to E2. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tone and tension.
• String 4: Start at D3 (Standard). Tune down 5 semitones to A2. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tone and tension.
• String 3: Start at G3 (Standard). Tune down 5 semitones to D3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tone and tension.
• String 2: Start at B3 (Standard). Tune down 5 semitones to F#3. Note: The provided target tuning for this string is F4#. However, following the instruction to tune B3 down 5 semitones results in F#3. Achieving F4# from standard B3 would require a different movement or a different starting string. For this tuning, a lighter gauge string would typically be needed if F4# is the actual target from a lower starting note, but tuning B3 down to F#3 is achievable with a standard gauge. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is advised if aiming for a lower target, or carefully consider string tension if trying to achieve F4# from a different starting point.
• String 1 (Highest): Start at E4 (Standard). Tune down 5 semitones to B3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tone and tension.

Given that all strings require tuning down 5 or more semitones, it is highly recommended to consider a full set of different gauge strings specifically designed for lower tunings to ensure proper tension, intonation, and to prevent string breakage.