Tuning Analysis: C7sus4 7-string

This 7-string guitar tuning, explicitly described as suitable for "Djent and all weird general and fucked up stuff," delivers a remarkably low and aggressive sonic foundation. It’s engineered for extended-range exploration, deep resonance, and potentially dissonant or complex voicings characteristic of modern metal and experimental genres. The extreme adjustments on the lower strings suggest a quest for a slacked, guttural tone, while precise adjustments on the higher strings offer melodic clarity.

Technical Breakdown:

• Open Notes: The tuning presents as F1, A#2 (Bb2), F2, C3, G3, C4, F4 from lowest (7th) to highest (1st) string.
• Core Voicing: The open strings contain the notes F, A# (Bb), C, G. When analyzed in relation to the tuning's name, 'C7sus4', we find C (root), F (suspended 4th), G (5th), and Bb (minor 7th). This means the open strings inherently suggest a C7sus4 chord, often flavored with an F-centric tonality due to the multiple Fs.
• Interval Relationships (String to String):
  • String 7 (F1) to String 6 (A#2/Bb2): A massive jump of an octave plus a perfect fourth (F to Bb). This wide interval creates a unique, expansive low-end.
  • String 6 (A#2/Bb2) to String 5 (F2): A diminished fifth (or tritone) descending. This interval can contribute to dissonant or bluesy voicings, adding a complex flavor.
  • String 5 (F2) to String 4 (C3): A perfect fifth, providing a strong, resonant interval.
  • String 4 (C3) to String 3 (G3): Another perfect fifth, continuing the powerful harmonic foundation.
  • String 3 (G3) to String 2 (C4): A perfect fourth.
  • String 2 (C4) to String 1 (F4): Another perfect fourth.
• Harmonic Potential: The consecutive perfect fifths on strings 5-4-3 (F-C-G) make for extremely thick power chords and riffs. The two perfect fourths on strings 3-2-1 (G-C-F) create an open Fsus2 chord, which contrasts nicely with the lower, heavier intervals. The overall F-C-G-Bb cluster provides a versatile palette for both heavy, open drones and intricate chord voicings.

Chords and Playability:

The open tuning naturally rings out a C7sus4 chord (C, F, G, Bb) or an Fsus2/4 harmony, offering a rich, resonant starting point. The low F1 provides an incredibly deep fundamental for extended-range riffs and chugging. The string arrangement, particularly the contiguous perfect fifths, facilitates powerful one-finger barre power chords across multiple lower strings. The higher G-C-F cluster enables brighter, more melodic voicings. Due to the significant string tension adjustments, especially the dramatic drops on the lower strings, this tuning is best suited for players seeking a distinct, heavy character and might require specific string gauges to optimize playability and intonation.

Tuning Notes:

Here are the notes for each string in this C7sus4 7-string tuning, from lowest to highest:

• String 7 (Lowest): F1
• String 6: A#2 (Bb2)
• String 5: F2
• String 4: C3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: C4
• String 1 (Highest): F4

How to Tune:

To achieve the C7sus4 7-string tuning from a standard 7-string tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these specific string movements. Please take care with large semitone changes, as they can affect string tension and potentially require a different string gauge for optimal performance and guitar health.

• String 7 (Lowest B string): Tune down 6 semitones to F1. Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string.
• String 6 (E string): Tune down 6 semitones to A#2 (Bb2). Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string.
• String 5 (A string): Tune down 4 semitones to F2. Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string.
• String 4 (D string): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G string): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B string): Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• String 1 (Highest E string): Tune up 1 semitone to F4.