Description of Ragnarok Tuning

Verbal Analysis

The Ragnarok tuning, explicitly a 7-string version of Periphery's "Totla Mad" tuning, is engineered for a profoundly heavy and aggressive sound. It provides a deep, guttural foundation that resonates powerfully, making it ideal for the intricate, low-end riffing characteristic of progressive metal and djent genres. The standout feature is the vast 9-semitone interval between the lowest F# string and the next D# string. This creates an expansive sonic landscape, allowing the lowest string to stand out with immense weight and clarity, perfect for percussive chugs and single-note attacks without the mix becoming muddy. The overall sonic character is dark, intense, and capable of both crushing impact and nuanced, complex voicings.

Despite its extreme low end, the upper strings maintain a relatively consistent interval pattern, facilitating lead playing and melodic passages once the player adapts to the overall lower pitch. This tuning invites experimentation with polyrhythmic structures and dissonant harmonies, offering a broad palette for crafting modern, heavy music.

Technical Analysis

The Ragnarok tuning for 7-string guitar is set to F#2, D#3, G#3, C#4, F#4, A#4, D#5 (from lowest 7th string to highest 1st string).

Analyzing the intervals between consecutive open strings:

• 7th String (F#2) to 6th String (D#3): This is an interval of 9 semitones, as noted in the tuning description. This wide leap creates significant separation between the lowest two strings, enhancing the impact of the F#2.
• 6th String (D#3) to 5th String (G#3): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones).
• 5th String (G#3) to 4th String (C#4): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones).
• 4th String (C#4) to 3rd String (F#4): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones).
• 3rd String (F#4) to 2nd String (A#4): A Major 3rd (4 semitones).
• 2nd String (A#4) to 1st String (D#5): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones).

When all strings are played open, the tuning forms a complex, rich chord. The notes (F#2, D#3, G#3, C#4, F#4, A#4, D#5) can be interpreted as a D# minor 7th chord (D# - F# - A# - C#) with an added 4th/11th (G#). The lowest F# adds a powerful, dissonant minor third foundation or acts as a strong sub-bass note. This creates a massive, dark, and slightly suspended open chord ideal for heavy, resonant textures. The consistent perfect 4ths across strings 6-3 make power chords easily accessible by barring, while the upper strings allow for familiar shapes but at a much lower pitch, facilitating melodic lines and higher voicings.

Tuning Notes

The Ragnarok tuning for 7-string guitar is as follows, from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st) string:

• 7th String: F#2
• 6th String: D#3
• 5th String: G#3
• 4th String: C#4
• 3rd String: F#4
• 2nd String: A#4
• 1st String: D#5

How to Tune

To achieve the Ragnarok tuning, adjust each string according to the following movements. The target note for each string is provided above:

• 7th String (Target: F#2): Tune down 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones (exceeding 4 semitones) is a significant drop in pitch. For optimal tone, intonation, and string tension, it is strongly recommended to use a heavier gauge string for your 7th string.
• 6th String (Target: D#3): Tune down 1 semitone.
• 5th String (Target: G#3): Tune down 1 semitone.
• 4th String (Target: C#4): Tune down 1 semitone.
• 3rd String (Target: F#4): Tune down 1 semitone.
• 2nd String (Target: A#4): Tune down 1 semitone.
• 1st String (Target: D#5): Tune down 1 semitone.