Verbal Analysis

The Abyssal E Seven String tuning plunges your guitar into an extreme low-end soundscape, ideal for the heaviest and most experimental genres. With its foundation at E1, this tuning offers a guttural, earth-shaking resonance that pushes the boundaries of conventional guitar. It’s a tuning designed for musicians seeking to craft seismic riffs, deep ambient textures, or intricate, crushing soundscapes that demand exceptional clarity and power in the lowest registers. The overall feel is incredibly dark and powerful, with moments of surprising melodic potential in the higher strings, making it a compelling choice for progressive, djent, and death metal, as well as ambient and cinematic applications. As described in the tuning's original notes, it can be thought of as a 'Drop B with a low E with major 3rd interval on last string', hinting at its powerful, extended low range and bright melodic top end.

Technical Analysis

• String Configuration: This is a 7-string tuning with an open note sequence of E1, B1, F#3, B2, E3, A3, C#5 from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st) string.
• Extreme Low End: The E1 on the 7th string is exceptionally low, providing a sub-harmonic foundation that resonates deep within the mix. The B1 on the 6th string complements this, forming a perfect 4th interval (E1-B1) that creates an immediate, heavy power chord, offering a massive wall of sound.
• Unconventional Mid-Range: The sequence from the 6th to 2nd strings (B1-F#3-B2-E3-A3) is highly unusual. The massive leap from B1 to F#3 (a compound perfect 5th, or an octave and a perfect fifth) followed by a descent to B2 (a perfect 4th lower than F#3) creates a non-linear string layout. This offers unique intervallic possibilities for arpeggios and leads, forcing players to explore new fingerings and shapes. The B2-E3-A3 section, however, forms a stack of perfect 4th intervals, which is highly intuitive for power chords and scale runs within this range, providing a familiar and accessible part amidst the novelty.
• Bright High End: The highest two strings (A3-C#5) feature a compound major third interval, which provides a bright, shimmering contrast to the deep low end. This allows for clear melodic statements, open major voicings, and the addition of tension or resolution in the upper register, living up to its 'major 3rd interval on last string' description.
• Open Chords & Accessible Shapes:
  • E5 Power Chord: The open 7th and 6th strings (E1-B1) form a strong, resonant E5 power chord, ready for crushing riffs.
  • 4th Interval Shapes: On strings 4, 3, and 2 (B2-E3-A3), standard power chord shapes and scale patterns common in all-fourths tunings become very accessible, allowing for fluid horizontal movement with minimal fretting changes.
  • Major Dyads: The open 2nd and 1st strings (A3-C#5) create a major third interval, perfect for adding major harmony or bright melodic dyads that cut through the mix.
  • Overall Open Sound: The full open tuning (E1-B1-F#3-B2-E3-A3-C#5) presents an E-centric, somewhat suspended or extended sound, rich with the root, fifth, second (F#), fourth (A), and sixth (C#). While not a simple major or minor triad, it offers a broad harmonic canvas that can be easily manipulated with minimal fretting to create complex voicings.
• Genre Suitability: This tuning is a playground for Djent, Deathcore, Technical Death Metal, Progressive Metal, and experimental sound design. Its extreme range and unique interval structure encourage innovative riff writing, atmospheric textures, and complex chord voicings that demand attention.

How to Tune: Abyssal E Seven String

This tuning involves significant string tension adjustments, particularly on the lower strings. For optimal playability, intonation, and to prevent string breakage or neck issues, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set, especially for strings requiring a movement of 4 semitones or more. Please tune carefully and check your instrument's neck relief after tuning.

• String 7 (Lowest String) to E1: Tune down 7 semitones.
  (Movement is >4 semitones; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for proper tension and tone.)
• String 6 to B1: Tune down 5 semitones.
  (Movement is >4 semitones; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for proper tension and tone.)
• String 5 to F#3: Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 4 to B2: Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 3 to E3: Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 2 to A3: Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (Highest String) to C#5: Tune down 3 semitones.