The 'F Standard 7-String' tuning is a profound exploration into the lower registers, famously popularized by bands like Meshuggah. It takes the guitar's sonic potential into truly deep and resonant territories, ideal for styles requiring extreme heaviness, intricate low-end riffing, and dense soundscapes.

Technical Analysis

This 7-string tuning features the following notes from lowest (7th) to highest (1st) string:

• String 7 (Lowest): F1
• String 6: A#2 (Bb2)
• String 5: D#3 (Eb3)
• String 4: G#3 (Ab3)
• String 3: C#4 (Db4)
• String 2: F3
• String 1 (Highest): A#4 (Bb4)

The overall set of notes present across the open strings are F, A#, D#, G#, C#, which are the notes of an F Natural Minor (Aeolian) scale. The intervals between adjacent strings are particularly interesting:

• String 7 (F1) to String 6 (A#2): Compound Augmented 4th (Tritone).
• String 6 (A#2) to String 5 (D#3): Perfect 4th.
• String 5 (D#3) to String 4 (G#3): Perfect 4th.
• String 4 (G#3) to String 3 (C#4): Perfect 4th.
• String 3 (C#4) to String 2 (F3): A significant drop of a Major 6th. This F3 is an entire octave lower than what would typically be found in a 'standard' F tuning (which would usually feature an F4 on the 2nd string). This creates a unique, almost 'drop-style' characteristic within the tuning structure.
• String 2 (F3) to String 1 (A#4): Compound Augmented 4th (Tritone).

Chords and Playability

While not an 'open chord' tuning in the traditional sense, the low F1 provides an incredibly powerful foundation. The consistent Perfect 4th intervals across strings 3 through 6 (D#3, G#3, C#4) make multi-string power chords and single-finger barre chords extremely accessible and heavy, a signature sound of extended-range guitars in metal. The presence of two Fs (F1, F3) and two A#s (A#2, A#4) offers rich octave possibilities. The unconventional F3 on string 2 requires thoughtful fretboard navigation; it can lead to unique voicings or dissonances, encouraging players to explore non-standard chord shapes and lead lines.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'F Standard 7-String' tuning, all strings need to be significantly lowered. Please exercise caution and ensure your guitar's neck relief and intonation are adjusted appropriately for such low tensions.

• String 7: Tune down 6 semitones to F1.
• String 6: Tune down 6 semitones to A#2.
• String 5: Tune down 6 semitones to D#3.
• String 4: Tune down 6 semitones to G#3.
• String 3: Tune down 6 semitones to C#4.
• String 2: Tune down 6 semitones to F3.
• String 1: Tune down 6 semitones to A#4.

Important Note on String Gauge: Tuning down 6 semitones (a tritone or augmented fourth) for all strings is a substantial change. For optimal playability and intonation, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set designed for extended-range guitars and extremely low tunings. Standard gauge strings will likely feel too loose and may not intonate correctly at these low pitches.

String 7: F1

String 6: A#2

String 5: D#3

String 4: G#3

String 3: C#4

String 2: F3

String 1: A#4