Tuning Analysis: F# DADGAD Voicing

This unique tuning, aptly named "F# DADGAD Voicing," is described as an F# version of the TesseracT seven-string tuning. This immediately suggests a powerful, heavy, and resonant sound, characteristic of progressive metal and djent genres. It's designed for extended range, offering an incredibly deep low-end while maintaining the melodic capabilities associated with DADGAD-style tunings.

Technical Breakdown:

The instrument is a 7-string Guitar. The open string notes, from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st), are:

• 7th String: F#2
• 6th String: C#3
• 5th String: F#3
• 4th String: B2
• 3rd String: E3
• 2nd String: F#4
• 1st String: B3

Analyzing the intervals relative to the lowest F#2, the tuning forms a complex, open voicing:

• F#2 (Root)
• C#3 (Perfect 5th)
• F#3 (Octave)
• B2 (Perfect 4th from F#2, but lower than the F#3, creating a wide interval)
• E3 (Major 7th from F#2, or a b7 if an F# minor context is considered)
• F#4 (Two Octaves from F#2)
• B3 (Perfect 4th from F#3, or Perfect 11th from F#2)

This results in an open F#sus4(addM7) or an F#11-like chord, featuring a strong F# drone across multiple octaves, complemented by the perfect 5th (C#) and the harmonically rich 4th (B) and 7th (E). The unique placement of B2 on the 4th string, below the F#3 on the 5th string, creates interesting harmonic possibilities and wide, open voicings.

Chords and Playability:

The "DADGAD voicing" aspect means that open string chords will naturally tend towards suspended and modal sounds. The open strings themselves form a rich, resonant chord, primarily an F#sus4(addM7) or an F#11. This makes for easy drone playing and allows for complex voicings with minimal fingering.

• Open F# Power Chord: By simply playing the 7th (F#2), 6th (C#3), and 5th (F#3) strings, a massive F# power chord is achieved, perfect for heavy rhythm work.
• Suspended Chords: The presence of B (P4/P11) and E (M7/b7) makes natural sus4 chords readily available. Barring across certain frets will easily yield F#sus4, Bsus4, and Esus4 variants.
• Modal Playing: The open intervals lend themselves extremely well to modal melodies and arpeggios, particularly in F# modes or those centered around B. The drone capability is excellent for atmospheric soundscapes.
• Djent and Heavy Riffing: The extremely low F#2 provides an incredible foundation for heavy, chugging riffs. The wide interval between the 7th, 6th, and 5th strings allows for powerful low-end grooves, while the higher strings can be used for dissonant chords or melodic leads, characteristic of TesseracT's progressive sound.

Players accustomed to drop tunings will appreciate the sonic depth and ease of forming power chords on the lower strings, while the DADGAD influence will open up creative melodic and harmonic avenues.

Open String Notes

• 7th String: F#2 (Lowest String)
• 6th String: C#3
• 5th String: F#3
• 4th String: B2
• 3rd String: E3
• 2nd String: F#4
• 1st String: B3 (Highest String)

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the F# DADGAD Voicing, follow these steps for each string from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st).

• 7th String (F#2): Tune down 5 semitones. This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tone, tension, and playability.
• 6th String (C#3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• 5th String (F#3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• 4th String (B2): Tune down 3 semitones.
• 3rd String (E3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• 2nd String (F#4): Tune down 5 semitones. This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for better tension and tone.
• 1st String (B3): Tune down 5 semitones. This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for better tension and tone.

Important Note: All strings in this tuning are significantly dropped. For drops of 5 semitones (on strings 7, 2, and 1), a different gauge string is highly recommended to maintain proper string tension, intonation, and avoid excessive buzzing. Even for 3 semitone drops, if you experience excessive slack, a heavier gauge may improve performance.