This is a deeply resonant and powerful 7-string guitar tuning, famously used by the metal band Allt. Designed for a heavy and impactful sound, it creates a thick, brooding atmosphere perfect for modern metal genres. Despite its low register, the open strings form a surprisingly rich F#add6 chord, offering a unique blend of crushing weight and harmonic sophistication.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument: This tuning is configured for a 7-string Guitar.
• Open Chord: When all strings are strummed open, they produce an F#add6 chord. The notes F#, C#, A#, and D# are present, creating a full and distinctive voicing (F# Root, A# Major 3rd, C# Perfect 5th, D# Major 6th).
• Deep Foundation: The lowest three strings (7th, 6th, 5th) are tuned to F2#, C3#, and F3# respectively. This arrangement provides a massive, two-octave F#5 power chord, ideal for bone-rattling riffs and a heavy, droning low-end.
• Mid-Range Resonance: The 4th and 3rd strings are tuned to C4# and F4#, reinforcing the F#5 power chord an octave higher and adding body to the overall sound.
• Upper Voicing: The top two strings, A4# and D5#, contribute the Major 3rd and Major 6th to the F#add6 chord, adding a melodic and slightly complex quality often found in more progressive or atmospheric metal.
• Chord Accessibility:
  • Open strumming immediately yields the F#add6 chord.
  • Power chords are incredibly easy to form across the lower strings. By simply barring across the 7th, 6th, and 5th (or 5th, 4th, 3rd) strings, you can effortlessly create powerful voicings.
  • The repeated F# and C# notes across multiple octaves facilitate resonant drones and enables complex, layered riffs.

How to Tune Your Guitar

This tuning involves significantly lowering most of your guitar strings from standard 7-string tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E). Please proceed carefully and ensure your guitar's neck relief is properly set. For string movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is often advised to maintain optimal tension and tone.

• 7th String (B2 Standard): Tune down 5 semitones to F2#. (Note: This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string may be beneficial.)
• 6th String (E3 Standard): Tune down 3 semitones to C3#.
• 5th String (A3 Standard): Tune down 3 semitones to F3#.
• 4th String (D4 Standard): Tune down 1 semitone to C4#.
• 3rd String (G4 Standard): Tune down 1 semitone to F4#.
• 2nd String (B4 Standard): Tune down 1 semitone to A4#.
• 1st String (E5 Standard): Tune down 1 semitone to D5#.

7th String: F2# (Lowest String)

6th String: C3#

5th String: F3#

4th String: C4#

3rd String: F4#

2nd String: A4#

1st String: D5# (Highest String)