Verbal Analysis

This unique 7-string tuning, named "F minor major 7 with a B added on top" by its creator, is an evolution of an F C E C F G# tuning. The addition of the B note in the higher register aims to expand the chordal possibilities and overall sonic texture, offering a rich and somewhat dissonant harmonic landscape. It’s an imaginative and unconventional tuning designed for adventurous players looking to explore complex voicings and create distinctive sounds beyond standard guitar harmony.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this 7-string guitar are F1 C2 E2 C3 F3 G4# B3. Analyzing these notes reveals a sophisticated and harmonically dense structure. The foundational notes F, C, E, G# (enharmonically Ab), and B create a complex F minor major 7 (#11) sonority. Let's break down the intervals relative to the low F (F1):

• F1: The Root.
• C2: A Perfect 5th above the root.
• E2: A Major 7th above the root.
• C3: An octave higher Perfect 5th.
• F3: An octave higher Root.
• G4#: Enharmonically Ab, this note serves as a minor 3rd, completing the F minor aspect of the chord, or can be interpreted as an augmented 2nd or a #9 extension, adding significant tension given the Major 7th (E).
• B3: An Augmented 4th (tritone) above the root, or a #11 extension, further enhancing the complex and somewhat dissonant character of the tuning.

The arrangement of notes features multiple octaves of F and C, providing a robust harmonic foundation, while the E, G#, and B add color and tension, pushing the tuning beyond a simple Fmmaj7 into more exotic territory. The wide range, from F1 to B3, offers ample melodic and harmonic space.

Open Chords and Possibilities

• F minor major 7 (#11): The open strings themselves form a rich, complex chord of F, C, E, G# (Ab), B. This provides a ready-made, full-bodied chord, perfect for jazz, fusion, or experimental genres.
• Drone & Melody: The low F1 and C2 can serve as a powerful drone, allowing for melodic improvisation or chordal exploration on the higher strings (E2, C3, F3, G4#, B3).
• Barre Chords: Due to the open nature of the tuning, a single finger barre across any fret will instantly yield a transposed version of the Fmmaj7(#11) chord, offering a quick way to move complex harmonies up and down the neck.
• Voicings: The unique intervals, particularly the high G4# and B3, facilitate interesting close and open voicings. Sliding simple shapes on the higher strings over the static lower notes can create evolving harmonic textures.
• Dissonance: The inherent tension of the G# and B in relation to F, C, E can be exploited for atmospheric or avant-garde compositions.

How to Tune

When making significant changes to your guitar's tuning, particularly beyond four semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is highly recommended to maintain optimal string tension and prevent damage to your instrument or strings.

• String 7 (Lowest): Tune to F1. To achieve this, tune down 6 semitones. Caution: This is a significant change (more than 4 semitones); a different string gauge is advised for optimal tension and playability.
• String 6: Tune to C2. To achieve this, tune down 4 semitones. Caution: This is a significant change (4 semitones); a different string gauge is advised for optimal tension and playability.
• String 5: Tune to E2. To achieve this, tune down 5 semitones. Caution: This is a significant change (more than 4 semitones); a different string gauge is advised for optimal tension and playability.
• String 4: Tune to C3. To achieve this, tune down 2 semitones.
• String 3: Tune to F3. To achieve this, tune down 2 semitones.
• String 2: Tune to G4#. To achieve this, tune down 3 semitones.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune to B3. To achieve this, tune down 5 semitones. Caution: This is a significant change (more than 4 semitones); a different string gauge is advised for optimal tension and playability.

String 7 (Lowest): F1

String 6: C2

String 5: E2

String 4: C3

String 3: F3

String 2: G4#

String 1 (Highest): B3