Welcome to a deep dive into the D Standard with an Added F1 tuning, a formidable setup favored by the band Alpha Wolf for their track "Bleed 4 You". This seven-string guitar tuning pushes the boundaries of low-end aggression, creating a sonic foundation perfect for metalcore and other heavy genres.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning is not for the faint of heart. It transforms your seven-string guitar into a beast of low frequencies, dominated by the resonant F1 on the lowest string. The overall feel is incredibly heavy and dark, providing ample slack for chunky riffs, percussive chugs, and menacing open-string dissonances. The significant drop in pitch across most strings results in a slacker string tension, which contributes to a thicker, more sustained tone, ideal for palm-muted breakdowns and powerful single-note lines. It's a tuning designed to rattle the ribcage and command attention, pushing the instrument into extreme sonic territories, perfectly aligning with the aggressive style of Alpha Wolf.

Technical Analysis

This is a seven-string Guitar tuning. The open notes are configured as follows, from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st) string: F1 - D2 - G2 - C3 - E3 - A3 - D4.

• Lowest String (7th): F1 - This is an extremely low note, providing a foundation that delves into sub-bass frequencies. Its primary role is likely for brutal chugs and extended range.
• Sixth String: D2 - Along with the F1, this sets a very low root for the 'D Standard' aspect of the tuning.
• Fifth String: G2
• Fourth String: C3
• Third String: E3
• Second String: A3
• First String (Highest): D4

While the name suggests a "D Standard" base, the intervals between the upper six strings (D-G-C-E-A-D) deviate from a strict D Standard (D-G-C-F-A-D) which features consistent perfect fourths (except the G-B interval in E standard). Specifically, the interval between the 4th (C3) and 3rd (E3) strings is a Major 3rd (4 semitones) instead of a Perfect 4th (5 semitones), which is typical in standard guitar tunings. This major third interval can create interesting voicings and open up different melodic possibilities compared to an all-fourths or standard tuning.

Open Chords and Accessibility

Given the significant drops and non-standard intervals, traditional open chords are less common in this tuning. However, it excels in facilitating:

• Power Chords: The D2 (6th), A3 (2nd), and D4 (1st) strings form an open D5 power chord. Similarly, F5 can be achieved using the F1 (7th) string and playing C2 on the 6th string (3rd fret). Most power chords are readily accessible by fretting across two or three strings.
• Droning and Riffing: The low F1 and D2 strings are perfect for heavy, droning riffs, often utilizing open strings for maximum resonance and impact.
• Dissonant Voicings: The unique intervals, especially between the 7th and 6th strings (a major 6th - 9 semitones), and the 4th and 3rd strings (major 3rd), can be exploited to create tense and impactful dissonant chords or arpeggios, characteristic of modern metal.
• Melodic Phrases: The higher strings (E3-A3-D4) offer a somewhat familiar feel for melodic lines, albeit in a much lower register.

The overall tuning prioritizes depth, power, and the ability to craft unique, heavy soundscapes over conventional chord shapes, aligning perfectly with the aggressive nature of Alpha Wolf's music.

Open String Notes

Here are the open notes for each string, from the lowest (thickest) to the highest (thinnest):

• 7th String: F1
• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: G2
• 4th String: C3
• 3rd String: E3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: D4

How to Tune

To achieve the 'D Standard with an Added F1' tuning from a standard 7-string B Standard tuning (B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), follow these steps:

• 7th String (B1): Tune down 6 semitones to F1. Caution: Tuning down this much (exceeding 4 semitones) may require a heavier gauge string to maintain adequate tension and prevent excessive floppiness or intonation issues.
• 6th String (E2): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A2): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D3): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (G3): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B3): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (E4): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Always tune carefully and check intonation after making significant changes to string tension to ensure optimal playability and sound.