Overview

This is a unique 7-string Guitar tuning, building upon a standard 7-string setup by dramatically lowering its lowest string. As described, it takes a standard 7-string setup and drops its 7th string by three and a half steps (7 semitones). This creates an incredibly deep and resonant foundation while keeping the higher six strings in familiar Standard EADGBe tuning.

Verbal Analysis

The "Deep E Standard Seven" tuning is designed for players who crave an immense, sub-harmonic low end without sacrificing the versatility of standard guitar tuning on the higher strings. By bringing the 7th string down to E1, an entire octave below the 6th string's E2 and two octaves below the 1st string's E4, this tuning delivers a truly massive sonic presence. It's perfectly suited for genres like Djent, progressive metal, and any style requiring colossal, earth-shattering riffs and intricate low-frequency textures. The open E1 string acts like a bass guitar string, providing an almost synthesiser-like depth to your sound, creating a wall of sound that can fill any mix.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning are: E1, E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4 (from lowest to highest string).

• String 7 (E1) to String 6 (E2): Perfect Octave. This octave relationship is the hallmark of this tuning, providing extreme depth and making E-rooted chords particularly powerful.
• String 6 (E2) to String 5 (A2): Perfect Fourth.
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (D3): Perfect Fourth.
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (G3): Perfect Fourth.
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (B3): Major Third.
• String 2 (B3) to String 1 (E4): Perfect Fourth.

The beauty of this tuning lies in its dual nature. The upper six strings (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4) remain in standard EADGBe intervals, meaning all familiar open chords, scales, and arpeggios are directly transferable from standard 6-string guitar. This allows for seamless integration of melodic and harmonic ideas without re-learning fingerings for the higher registers.

The addition of the E1 string dramatically enhances low-end chord voicings. Open E major or E minor chords become incredibly rich and full, especially when strummed across all available strings. Power chords are easily accessible and exceptionally heavy; for instance, a simple E power chord can be voiced across E1, E2, and the A2 (5th string, 2nd fret) for a truly massive sound, or even simpler as just E1 and E2. Riffing on the lower strings gains an unprecedented depth, allowing for chunky, single-note lines that resonate powerfully. The octave relationship between E1 and E2 also facilitates easy unison or octave playing, adding textural layers to your lowest notes, making it ideal for thick, resonant bass lines and chugging rhythms.

How to Tune

Please note: Tuning a string down by 7 semitones (String 7) is a significant change. If your guitar is not designed for such low tension or if you plan to keep it in this tuning permanently, a different string gauge for the 7th string might be advised to ensure proper intonation and playability.

• String 7 (Lowest String): Tune down 7 semitones. This string should be tuned to E1. Warning: A movement of -7 semitones is significant; consider a heavier gauge string.
• String 6: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string should be tuned to E2.
• String 5: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string should be tuned to A2.
• String 4: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string should be tuned to D3.
• String 3: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string should be tuned to G3.
• String 2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string should be tuned to B3.
• String 1 (Highest String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string should be tuned to E4.

String 7 (Lowest): E1

String 6: E2

String 5: A2

String 4: D3

String 3: G3

String 2: B3

String 1 (Highest): E4