The "Sleep Token Drop F#" tuning is a highly distinctive and powerful 7-string setup, designed for the deep, heavy, and atmospheric soundscapes characteristic of the band Sleep Token. It features a unique re-entrant configuration, where the 6th string is actually tuned lower in pitch than the 7th string, creating a rich and complex low end.

Technical Analysis

This 7-string tuning sets the open strings as follows (from thickest to thinnest):

• String 7: F#2
• String 6: B1
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: E4

Analyzing the intervals from String 6 (B1, the lowest pitched note) upwards in pitch:

• B1 (String 6) to F#2 (String 7): Perfect 5th (up 7 semitones)
• F#2 (String 7) to A2 (String 5): Minor 3rd (up 3 semitones)
• A2 (String 5) to D3 (String 4): Perfect 4th (up 5 semitones)
• D3 (String 4) to G3 (String 3): Perfect 4th (up 5 semitones)
• G3 (String 3) to B3 (String 2): Major 3rd (up 4 semitones)
• B3 (String 2) to E4 (String 1): Perfect 4th (up 5 semitones)

Open Chords and Playability

While the full open tuning (F#2 B1 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4) doesn't form a simple major or minor chord, the unique arrangement offers distinct harmonic possibilities:

• Power Chords: The lowest two physical strings (String 7 to F#2 and String 6 to B1) form a perfect 5th (B-F#) when played together. This allows for incredibly thick and resonant power chords by simply barring these two strings at any fret. For example, barring the 2nd fret on Strings 6 & 7 yields C#5.
• Standard Chord Shapes: The top five strings (A2-D3-G3-B3-E4) maintain the relative intervals of standard tuning's A-D-G-B-E. This means many common chord shapes (like open G, C, D, Em, Am) are readily available on strings 1-5, but will sound an octave lower than their standard counterparts, providing a rich, dark timbre.
• Riffing Potential: The low F# on the 7th string provides an excellent root for heavy riffs, while the B1 on the 6th string offers an even deeper, growling foundation. This tuning is ideal for intricate, low-end melodic lines and crushing, djent-style rhythms.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Sleep Token Drop F#" tuning, follow these steps. Please note that the significant string tension changes for the lowest strings may require a guitar setup and/or different string gauges for optimal performance and intonation.

• String 7 (Lowest String): Tune down 5 semitones to F#2. Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial change. A heavier gauge string for the 7th string is highly recommended to maintain adequate tension and tone, and prevent buzzing.
• String 6: Tune down 5 semitones to B1. Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial change. A heavier gauge string for the 6th string is highly recommended to maintain adequate tension and tone, and prevent buzzing.
• String 5: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• String 1 (Highest String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.