Overview

This is an extremely low and heavy tuning designed for a 7-string guitar, famously associated with the progressive metal band Meshuggah and their track "Bleed." The tuning emphasizes the lower register, creating a thick, percussive, and sonically dense soundscape. As noted in its description, the tuning shifts everything down, suggesting a focus on the brutal riffage and rhythmic complexities characteristic of its namesake, rather than melodic high-string work.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning are:

• String 7: F1
• String 6: A#2 (Bb2)
• String 5: D#3 (Eb3)
• String 4: G#3 (Ab3)
• String 3: C#4 (Db4)
• String 2: F#4 (Gb4)
• String 1: A#4 (Bb4)

This tuning is almost entirely structured in perfect fourths across the lower five strings (F-Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb), with a major third interval from the 2nd string (F#4/Gb4) to the 1st string (A#4/Bb4). The lowest string, F1, is exceptionally deep, making it one of the lowest commercially used guitar tunings. This arrangement provides a highly symmetrical fretboard for the majority of the strings, facilitating the execution of complex, wide-interval riffs and open, resonant power chords.

Chordal & Harmonic Potential

Due to the predominance of perfect fourths in the tuning, open power chords (root-fifth) are exceptionally easy to form by barring across two adjacent strings. For example, a single finger barred across frets on the 7th and 6th strings will yield a power chord. The open strings themselves, when strummed, create a dense, dissonant cluster dominated by minor and diminished intervals, providing a foundation for experimental and heavy musical styles. The tuning naturally lends itself to heavy, chugging riffs and rhythmic patterns, where single-note clarity and percussive attack are paramount. Melodic playing on the higher strings will benefit from the major third interval between Gb4 and Bb4, allowing for more diatonic melodic phrasing.

How to Tune (from Standard 7-string B-E-A-D-G-B-E)

• String 7 (Low B): Tune down 6 semitones to F1.
• String 6 (E): Tune down 6 semitones to A#2 (Bb2).
• String 5 (A): Tune down 6 semitones to D#3 (Eb3).
• String 4 (D): Tune down 6 semitones to G#3 (Ab3).
• String 3 (G): Tune down 6 semitones to C#4 (Db4).
• String 2 (B): Tune down 5 semitones to F#4 (Gb4).
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 6 semitones to A#4 (Bb4).

Important Note: All strings in this tuning are significantly dropped, ranging from 5 to 6 semitones below standard pitch. To achieve proper string tension, intonation, and to prevent string floppiness, it is highly recommended to use a much heavier gauge string set than what is typically used for standard tuning. Failing to do so may result in poor tone, intonation issues, and an unsatisfactory playing experience.

String 7: F1

String 6: A#2

String 5: D#3

String 4: G#3

String 3: C#4

String 2: F#4

String 1: A#4