Verbal Analysis: The "F# Draconic" tuning for the 7-string guitar is a beast, living up to its name with a dark, powerful, and deeply resonant character. As described, it's not a standard linear tuning but features a unique, somewhat unconventional interval structure. It aims to achieve an incredibly low range, comparable to an 8-string guitar, without compromising the upper register or creating unmanageably large gaps between adjacent strings. This makes it ideal for genres demanding a heavy, extended low-end punch, such as modern metal, djent, or experimental music. The presence of multiple F# notes across octaves also suggests a strong tonal center, albeit with surprising harmonic twists from the B and E notes.

Technical Analysis: The open notes for this 7-string tuning are F#2, C#3, F#3, B2, F#4, B3, E4 (from lowest to highest string). Examining the intervals between adjacent strings reveals its distinctiveness:

• String 7 (F#2) to String 6 (C#3): Perfect 5th (+7 semitones)
• String 6 (C#3) to String 5 (F#3): Perfect 4th (+5 semitones)
• String 5 (F#3) to String 4 (B2): Descending Perfect 5th (-7 semitones). This creates a significant drop, almost an octave below what a typical linear progression might suggest, offering a very unique low growl.
• String 4 (B2) to String 3 (F#4): Major 7th + Octave (+17 semitones). This is an extremely large leap, placing F#4 two octaves above F#2, creating a dramatic dynamic shift.
• String 3 (F#4) to String 2 (B3): Descending Perfect 5th (-7 semitones). Another notable drop in pitch.
• String 2 (B3) to String 1 (E4): Perfect 4th (+5 semitones)

Open Chords & Shapes: The open tuning doesn't form a conventional consonant chord, but rather a powerful, layered drone. The low F#2, C#3, F#3 create a deep F#5 power chord. Adding the B2 on String 4 introduces a strong dissonance or a suspended quality, particularly powerful for low, rumbling riffs. The higher strings, F#4, B3, E4, create a blend of F# with a Bsus4 feel (B, F#, E). Due to the wide and irregular intervals, traditional chord shapes will need significant adaptation. However, the presence of multiple F# and B notes at different octaves facilitates octave playing and unique arpeggios. Power chords on the lower strings (F#2-C#3-F#3) will be exceptionally thick. The irregular jumps between strings 5/4 and 4/3 will lead to interesting and potentially challenging fingerings but also open up possibilities for very wide, open voicings and unique melodic intervals.

How to Tune for F# Draconic

This tuning is based on significant adjustments from a standard 7-string tuning (typically B-E-A-D-G-B-E). Here’s how to achieve the F# Draconic tuning:

• String 7 (Lowest, typically B): Tune down 5 semitones to reach F#2.
• String 6 (typically E): Tune down 3 semitones to reach C#3.
• String 5 (typically A): Tune down 3 semitones to reach F#3.
• String 4 (typically D): Tune down 3 semitones to reach B2.
• String 3 (typically G): Tune down 1 semitone to reach F#4.
• String 2 (typically B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at B3.
• String 1 (Highest E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at E4.

Important Note on String Gauge: Please be aware that tuning String 7 down by 5 semitones is a significant drop. For optimal tone, intonation, and to prevent excessive string floppiness or potential damage, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for String 7 when using the F# Draconic tuning. Generally, when tuning a string up 3 or 4 semitones or down 4 or more semitones from its standard pitch, a different string gauge would provide a better playing experience and help protect your instrument.

String 7 (Lowest): F#2

String 6: C#3

String 5: F#3

String 4: B2

String 3: F#4

String 2: B3

String 1 (Highest): E4