FCFA#CGC Guitar Tuner

FCFA#CGC | FCFB♭CGC Drop F (Alternative) - 7 String - Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - Drop F (Alternative) - 7 String

Alternative tuning for Drop F on a 7-string guitar.
Experimental, found in the song Safeheaven by ERRA

Tuning Analysis: Drop F (Alternative) - 7 String

This is an intriguing and incredibly low tuning for a 7-string guitar, known as Drop F (Alternative). As described in the original source, it's an experimental tuning used by ERRA in their song "Safeheaven". This setup aims for maximum heaviness and sonic depth, ideal for modern progressive metal, djent, and other heavy genres requiring extended low-range capabilities.

Verbal Analysis

With the lowest string tuned to F1, this tuning offers an incredibly guttural and resonant foundation. The repeated F notes on strings 7 and 5 immediately establish a powerful F octave, making low-end riffs and chugging incredibly easy and full-bodied. The overall character is dark and expansive, providing a vast sonic landscape for complex voicings and heavy rhythm work. The 'Drop' nature (where the lowest string is a full octave or more below a standard reference point) is exaggerated here, moving far beyond typical Drop D or Drop G tunings, which often necessitates specific string gauges to maintain tension and intonation.

Technical Analysis

The open tuning consists of the notes: F1-C2-F2-A#3-C3-G3-C4. Let's break down the intervals:

String 7 (F1) to String 6 (C2): A perfect fifth (P5). This classic power chord interval provides immense depth.
String 6 (C2) to String 5 (F2): A perfect fourth (P4). This creates an F octave with the 7th string, reinforcing the root.
String 5 (F2) to String 4 (A#3): A major third (M3). This is where the 'alternative' aspect becomes apparent, introducing the A# (or Bb) to the F power chord.
String 4 (A#3) to String 3 (C3): A minor third (m3). This brings back a C, forming an Fsus4 (F-A#-C) across strings 5, 4, 3, or a strong F5 with the C from string 6.
String 3 (C3) to String 2 (G3): A perfect fifth (P5). Another strong, resonant interval.
String 2 (G3) to String 1 (C4): A perfect fourth (P4). This completes the tuning with a high C.

The presence of F, C, A#, G in the open strings allows for interesting harmonic possibilities. The lowest three strings (F1-C2-F2) immediately form a powerful F5 chord. The combination of F, A#, and C across strings 5, 4, and 3 makes an Fsus4 chord readily available. Due to the wide intervals and low register, standard chord shapes will need significant adjustment or re-imagining. However, single-finger barres on the lowest strings will yield colossal power chords. For instance, fretting all strings on the 1st fret (G-D-G-C-D#-A#-D#) would create an open G power chord on the lowest strings, extended with other intervals.

How to Tune

Given the extreme downward tuning across all strings, using a heavier gauge string set is not just advised, but highly recommended to maintain playability, intonation, and to prevent damage to your instrument or strings. Standard gauge strings are unlikely to provide sufficient tension at these low notes.

String 7 (Lowest String): Tune down 6 semitones from a standard B1 to F1. This is a significant drop and will require a very heavy gauge string.
String 6: Tune down 4 semitones from a standard E2 to C2. This is a substantial drop.
String 5: Tune down 4 semitones from a standard A2 to F2. This is a substantial drop.
String 4: Tune down 4 semitones from a standard D3 to A#3. This is a substantial drop.
String 3: Tune down 7 semitones from a standard G3 to C3. This is an extreme drop, close to an entire octave below its typical position.
String 2: Tune down 4 semitones from a standard B3 to G3. This is a substantial drop.
String 1 (Highest String): Tune down 4 semitones from a standard E4 to C4. This is a substantial drop.

Caution: All strings are tuned down by 4 or more semitones. Any tuning movement exceeding 4 semitones up or down typically warrants a different string gauge to ensure optimal performance, prevent string breakage, and avoid potential neck issues due to vastly altered string tension. For this tuning, a custom, very heavy gauge 7-string set is essential.

Here is a description of each string in the Drop F (Alternative) - 7 String tuning:

String 7 (Lowest): Tuned to F1, this string provides the lowest possible register, delivering a seismic, resonant foundation.
String 6: Tuned to C2, a perfect fifth above the 7th string, creating a powerful, deep F5 interval.
String 5: Tuned to F2, an octave above the 7th string and a perfect fourth above the 6th string, reinforcing the fundamental F note.
String 4: Tuned to A#3 (Bb3), a major third above the 5th string, adding a prominent flat seventh or suspended fourth quality to the F.
String 3: Tuned to C3, a minor third above the 4th string's A#, creating a strong F-C perfect fifth with the 6th string.
String 2: Tuned to G3, a perfect fifth above the 3rd string's C, contributing to the open voicing's harmonic richness.
String 1 (Highest): Tuned to C4, a perfect fourth above the 2nd string's G, completing the tuning with a brighter C.