Tuning Overview: 7 string NST all-fifths

This is a highly unconventional 7-string guitar tuning, characterized by extreme variations from standard tuning. While named "NST all-fifths," and described as "NST perfect fifths, with bass 7th string," the actual intervals reveal a more complex and unique structure than a pure all-fifths system. It aims to establish a very deep, resonant bass note on the 7th string while creating striking melodic and harmonic possibilities across the neck.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning offers a truly expansive sonic palette, stretching from a very low F1 to a high B4. The massive range could be ideal for progressive metal, experimental jazz, or ambient soundscapes where deep, rumbling bass lines meet sparkling, high-register melodies. The significant jumps in pitch between certain strings (especially D3 to E4) will encourage wide melodic leaps and unique arpeggio shapes, making it less suitable for traditional chord-voicings but excellent for intricate, open voicings and counterpoint. The resonant lower strings (F-C-G) suggest a powerful, almost orchestral foundation, while the upper strings provide a bright, cutting edge. It will feel distinctly different under the fingers, requiring a fresh approach to fretboard navigation.

Technical Analysis

The tuning consists of the notes F1-C2-G2-C3-D3-E4-B4.

• The lowest three strings (F1-C2-G2) form a sequence of perfect fifths, providing a powerful, resonant bass foundation.
• From G2 to C3, there's a perfect fourth.
• C3 to D3 is a major second.
• The leap from D3 to E4 is a remarkable major ninth (an octave plus a major second), creating a vast gap between the middle and upper registers.
• Finally, the highest two strings (E4-B4) return to a perfect fifth interval.

Open Chords and Accessible Voicings

Despite its complex nature, this tuning surprisingly offers some very musical open string voicings and easily reachable chord shapes:

• An open C Major chord can be formed using strings C2, G2, C3, E4.
• An open G Major chord can be formed using strings G2, D3, B4.
• An open E Minor chord can be formed using strings G2, E4, B4.
• A strong power chord on F can be achieved by just playing the 7th and 6th strings (F1-C2).
• The consecutive perfect fifths on the bass strings (F-C-G) make for easy root-fifth-ninth power chords, ideal for heavy riffs.

How to Tune

This tuning involves significant changes from standard 7-string (B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4). Due to the extreme pitch shifts, especially raising or lowering by more than 4 semitones, it is highly recommended to consider using a different gauge of strings for optimal tension and playability. Tuning stability might also require careful attention.

• 7th String (Standard B1 to F1): Tune down 6 semitones to F1. (Heavier gauge string is advised due to significant drop)
• 6th String (Standard E2 to C2): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (Heavier gauge string is advised due to significant drop)
• 5th String (Standard A2 to G2): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (Standard D3 to C3): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (Standard G3 to D3): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. (Heavier gauge string is advised due to significant drop)
• 2nd String (Standard B3 to E4): Tune up 5 semitones to E4. (Lighter gauge string is advised due to significant rise)
• 1st String (Standard E4 to B4): Tune up 7 semitones to B4. (Lighter gauge string is advised due to significant rise)

The notes for the 7-string NST all-fifths tuning are as follows (from lowest to highest string):

• 7th String: F1
• 6th String: C2
• 5th String: G2
• 4th String: C3
• 3rd String: D3
• 2nd String: E4
• 1st String: B4