Tuning Analysis: Scourge System - 7 String

The "Scourge System - 7 String" is an innovative open tuning for the 7-string guitar, originally conceived by songwriter Eidolon Scourge. As described by its creator, this tuning dramatically expands the instrument's tonal range across both lower and upper registers, offering a versatile foundation for complex harmonic and melodic explorations.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning transforms your 7-string guitar into a powerful sonic canvas. In its open position, it creates a rich and resonant B minor 9 chord with an F# bass (Bm9/F#). This immediately provides a dark, expansive, and almost cinematic sound, ideal for genres that demand depth and atmospheric qualities such as progressive metal, ambient soundscapes, or experimental music. The presence of multiple F# and A notes throughout the tuning allows for powerful octave voicings and droning effects, creating a sense of vastness. The wider intervals between some strings, particularly between String 5 (A2) and String 4 (B2), and String 4 (B2) and String 3 (A3), encourage unconventional chord shapes and open up new melodic possibilities beyond standard fingerings. The extended range downwards to F#2 and upwards to F#5 truly pushes the boundaries of the 7-string's capabilities.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for the "Scourge System - 7 String" are precisely:

• String 7: F#2
• String 6: C#3
• String 5: A2
• String 4: B2
• String 3: A3
• String 2: D4
• String 1: F#5

When played open, these notes collectively form a B minor 9 chord (B-D-F#-A-C#) with an F# in the bass (F#2, B2, D4, F#5, A2/A3, C#3). This provides a full, harmonically sophisticated chord without fretting.

Chordal and Voicing Potential:

• Open Bm9/F# Chord: The entire tuning is designed around this rich, extended minor chord, readily available in the open position.
• Power Chords: Standard 5th interval power chords can be easily formed across the lower strings (e.g., F#-C# on strings 7 and 6).
• Octave Voicings: The presence of two F# notes (F#2, F#5) and two A notes (A2, A3) allows for compelling octave voicings and resonant drone effects.
• Movable Shapes: While some standard chord shapes will be re-contextualized, new and unique movable shapes will emerge, particularly for minor 7th, 9th, and suspended voicings, encouraging creative fretboard exploration.
• Dominant 7th Chords: By adding a G# on string 4 (fretted 2nd fret from B), one could imply a C#7 chord for dominant functionality.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Scourge System - 7 String" tuning, carefully adjust each string to the target note, following the specified semitone movements. Use a reliable tuner for accuracy.

• 7th String (Low): Tune down 5 semitones to reach F#2. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. Ensure your string gauge can handle this tension reduction without becoming too loose or buzzing excessively. You may consider a heavier gauge for this string.
• 6th String: Tune down 3 semitones to reach C#3.
• 5th String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at A2.
• 4th String: Tune down 3 semitones to reach B2.
• 3rd String: Tune up 2 semitones to reach A3.
• 2nd String: Tune up 3 semitones to reach D4. Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones is a moderate increase in tension. Monitor your string and bridge for undue stress.
• 1st String (High): Tune up 2 semitones to reach F#5.

The "Scourge System - 7 String" tuning setup is as follows, from the lowest (7th) string to the highest (1st) string:

• 7th String: F#2
• 6th String: C#3
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: B2
• 3rd String: A3
• 2nd String: D4
• 1st String: F#5