Verbal Analysis

This 7-string guitar tuning, inspired by the band Monuments, plunges into exceptionally low and aggressive sonic territory. With its lowest note at F#2, it is meticulously crafted for modern metal, djent, and progressive genres, providing a profound sense of weight and power. The tuning is significantly re-entrant, meaning some thicker strings are tuned to pitches that are not linearly ascending or descending compared to adjacent strings. This creates unique harmonic relationships and opens up distinct possibilities for voicing chords and riffs that defy conventional expectations. The combination of extreme drop-tuning and re-entrant string order results in a rich, often dissonant, and complex open sound, capable of delivering both crushing low-end chugs and intricate, layered melodic textures. Players will discover that the open strings themselves generate powerful drones, and traditional chord shapes will necessitate substantial re-imagining, encouraging an adventurous exploration of new fingerings and voicings.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this 7-string guitar tuning, from thickest to thinnest string, are: F#2, C#3, F#3, B2, D#4, F#4, B3. This configuration is derived from a standard 7-string tuning (B2-E3-A3-D3-G4-B4-E4) through significant down-tuning across all strings.

The open string intervals, from thickest to thinnest, are as follows:

• String 7 (F#2) to String 6 (C#3): A Perfect 5th interval.
• String 6 (C#3) to String 5 (F#3): A Perfect 4th interval.
• String 5 (F#3) to String 4 (B2): A descending Augmented 4th (or Tritone) interval, indicating a re-entrant pair where String 4 is lower in pitch than String 5.
• String 4 (B2) to String 3 (D#4): A Major 6th interval.
• String 3 (D#4) to String 2 (F#4): A Minor 3rd interval.
• String 2 (F#4) to String 1 (B3): A descending Perfect 4th interval, another re-entrant pair where String 1 is lower in pitch than String 2.

This tuning prominently features octaves of F# on String 7 (F#2), String 5 (F#3), and String 2 (F#4), providing a powerful and foundational drone. Additionally, B octaves are present on String 4 (B2) and String 1 (B3). The collective set of open notes (F#, C#, B, D#) suggests a complex modal character, potentially evoking F# Dorian or Lydian qualities within a musical context, with the D# note adding a major 6th feel over an F# root or a major 3rd over a B root.

Open Chords and Voicings

While not configured for traditional open chords, this tuning offers a rich palette of unique harmonic possibilities:

• Power Chords: Readily accessible open F#5 power chords can be formed on String 7 and String 6 (F#2-C#3). An open C#5 power chord is also effective using String 6 and String 5 (C#3-F#3).
• Drones: The F# octaves (Strings 7, 5, 2) deliver a massive, resonant F# drone, perfect for ambient or heavy passages. The B octaves (Strings 4, 1) can be utilized similarly for an alternative drone or inverted power chord.
• Complex Voicings: Employing barre chords across multiple strings, particularly the higher ones, will yield rich and often dissonant, heavy voicings due to the re-entrant intervals. For instance, a single-finger barre at the 2nd fret across strings 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 would generate a distinctive and weighty cluster chord.
• Melodic Play: The re-entrant strings facilitate surprising melodic jumps and interwoven lines, making this tuning ideal for intricate lead work or polyrhythmic riffing that can exploit its wide pitch range.

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

How to Tune

To achieve this Monuments Re-entrant F# Drop 7 tuning from a standard 7-string tuning (B2-E3-A3-D3-G4-B4-E4), follow these instructions carefully:

• String 7 (Low B): Tune down 5 semitones from B2 to F#2. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and playability.
• String 6 (E): Tune down 3 semitones from E3 to C#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones from A3 to F#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 3 semitones from D3 to B2.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 4 semitones from G4 to D#4. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and playability.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 5 semitones from B4 to F#4. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and playability.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 5 semitones from E4 to B3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and playability.