The 'Low B Altered Tension Tuning' for a 7-string guitar offers a unique sonic landscape, combining a deep, resonant foundation with intriguing harmonic tension. This tuning is ideal for players seeking to explore sounds beyond conventional major or minor tonalities, perfect for genres like progressive metal, experimental rock, or ambient music where atmosphere and complex voicings are key.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, this tuning is built around a powerful, very low B (B1) on the 6th string, coupled with prominent F# notes throughout. The open strings B1, F#2, B2, F#3 across the thickest strings create an incredibly resonant and impactful B power chord, providing an excellent base for heavy riffs, drone patterns, and deep textural work. However, the most distinctive feature is the F3 on the 3rd string, which sits a dissonant minor second above the F#3 on the 4th string. This creates a strong harmonic tension, pushing the tuning away from a simple open chord and into a more complex, expressive territory. While the F3 introduces a "conflict," the D#5 on the highest string completes a B major triad (B-D#-F#) if the F3 is either avoided or fretted, allowing for bright, melodic lines to cut through the dark, tension-filled foundation.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this 7-string guitar tuning are, from thickest (7th) to thinnest (1st) string: B1, F#2, B2, F#3, F3, B3, D#5.

• Core Harmony: The tuning features a strong emphasis on B and F# across multiple octaves, providing a robust B power chord (B5) when strummed openly on strings 6, 7, 5, 4, and 2.
• Dissonance Point: The F3 on the 3rd string creates a minor second interval with the F#3 on the 4th string. This interval is highly dissonant when played openly together and is the defining characteristic of this tuning's unique tension.
• Chords and Voicings:
  • An open B Power Chord (B5) is readily available by strumming strings 6, 7, 5, 4, and 2.
  • By fretting String 3 at the 1st fret (to F#), a clearer B Major chord (B-D#-F#) can be implied across the open strings.
  • The tension between F#3 and F3 can be utilized for unique arpeggios, melodic ideas, or intentionally dissonant chord voicings.
  • The tuning's structure lends itself well to single-finger drone chords, allowing for exploration of modes and scales over a static bass.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Low B Altered Tension Tuning', follow these instructions for each string:

• String 7 (Lowest String): Tune to F#2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 6: Tune to B1. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5: Tune to F#3. Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 4: Tune to B2. Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 3: Tune to F3. Tune up 3 semitones.
• String 2: Tune to B3. Tune up 4 semitones.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune to D#5. Tune up 4 semitones.

Important Note on String Gauges: Strings 2 and 1 are tuned up by 4 semitones. While generally acceptable, for frequent use or if you notice excessive tension, it is advisable to consider using a slightly lighter gauge string for these two strings to ensure optimal playability and to prevent potential string breakage.

Here are the specific notes for each string in the 'Low B Altered Tension Tuning', from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st) string:

• String 7: F#2
• String 6: B1
• String 5: F#3
• String 4: B2
• String 3: F3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: D#5