Tuning Analysis: Versatile Drop E Seven

Verbal Description

The "Versatile Drop E Seven" tuning, originally conceived as "Drop D + E1," is a powerful and flexible setup designed for the aggressive and heavy sounds of Metalcore and Thall riffing. What makes this tuning particularly innovative is its ability to deliver extreme low-end punch without sacrificing the familiar high register of a standard guitar. Players will find that, by ignoring the lowest 7th string, the tuning on strings 6 through 1 mirrors a common Drop D setup (D-A-D-G-B-E), allowing for seamless integration of familiar chord shapes and riffing patterns. The addition of the super-low E1 on the 7th string creates a deeply resonant foundation, perfect for modern heavy music. The tuning also cleverly reconfigures standard power chord shapes: a typical E-standard power chord shape (low string and string above it) now becomes a powerful octave, with the option to add the 5th string for the full chord. This maximizes the versatility of a 7-string guitar, offering a broad sonic palette from crushing lows to articulate highs.

Technical Analysis

This tuning, explicitly for a 7-string guitar, fundamentally alters the lowest two strings from a standard B-E-A-D-G-B-E setup while preserving the upper register. The tuning notes are E1-D2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4, from lowest to highest string.

• 7th String (E1): Tuned down a significant seven semitones (a perfect fifth) from standard B1 to E1. This provides an extremely low and resonant fundamental, ideal for extended range chugging and creating massive, deep soundscapes common in Thall and Djent. The open E1 note forms a perfect octave with the open 1st string (E4).
• 6th String (D2): Tuned down two semitones (a whole step) from standard E2 to D2.
• 5th String (A2): Remains at standard A2.
• 4th String (D3): Remains at standard D3.
• 3rd String (G3): Remains at standard G3.
• 2nd String (B3): Remains at standard B3.
• 1st String (E4): Remains at standard E4.

The intervals between the open strings are as follows (from 7th to 1st):

• E1 to D2: Major 7th up (or minor 2nd down)
• D2 to A2: Perfect 5th
• A2 to D3: Perfect 4th
• D3 to G3: Perfect 4th
• G3 to B3: Major 3rd
• B3 to E4: Perfect 4th

The core of this tuning is the Drop D configuration on strings 6, 5, and 4 (D-A-D), providing instant access to common Drop D power chords and riffs. The significantly lowered 7th string to E1 creates a unique low register that can be exploited for octave riffs with the 6th string (E1 to D2 interval is a major 7th, so not a direct octave, but combining them with fretted notes could achieve that). More precisely, the lowest three strings (E1-D2-A2) offer a unique dissonant low-end, but when playing the 7th and 6th string open (E1 and D2), it's a major 7th interval, which can be used for interesting low-end dissonances or for creating a "drone" E root. The description notes that a typical standard tuning "power chord shape" using strings 6 and 7 results in an octave shape (presumably fretted, where E1 and D2 are fretted at the same position, e.g., 2nd fret F#1 and E2, which would be an octave). The key insight here is the ability to leverage the low E1 for powerful, octave-based heavy riffs, while the familiar Drop D (D-A-D) on strings 6-5-4, and standard G-B-E on strings 3-2-1, ensure versatility for both rhythm and lead playing. Open chords would include a very deep E minor (E1-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4, with the D2 adding a b7 or 9th depending on context - perhaps it's easier to think of it as an open E power chord with an added D). A Dsus2 chord is easily made by striking D2-A2-D3. The overall openness allows for rich, droning harmonic possibilities.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Versatile Drop E Seven" tuning from a standard 7-string E-Standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these steps:

• 7th String (B1): Tune down 7 semitones to E1. This is a substantial drop; consider if your string gauge is appropriate for such low tension, and exercise caution.
• 6th String (E2): Tune down 2 semitones to D2. This is a whole step down.
• 5th String (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 4th String (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Important Note on String Gauges: Tuning a string down by more than 4 semitones (like the 7th string in this case, which is -7 semitones) can significantly reduce string tension, potentially leading to fret buzz or a muddy tone. For optimal playability and sound, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string for the 7th string when adopting this tuning. Similarly, tuning up by more than 4 semitones (though not applicable in this specific tuning) also warrants a change to a lighter gauge string to prevent excessive tension and potential string breakage or neck damage.

7th String (Lowest): E1
6th String: D2
5th String: A2
4th String: D3
3rd String: G3
2nd String: B3
1st String (Highest): E4