This is a highly unconventional 7-string guitar tuning, famously used by Nik Nocturnal for his Architects' "Holy Hell" album covers. It offers a unique sonic landscape, blending extremely low rumbles with bright, high-pitched melodies, perfectly suited for modern metalcore and progressive metal genres.

Technical Analysis

The open tuning notes, from the thickest (7th) to thinnest (1st) string, are as follows:

• String 7: F#2
• String 6: F#3
• String 5: B2
• String 4: E3
• String 3: A3
• String 2: C#5
• String 1: F#5

A striking characteristic of this tuning is its non-monotonic pitch progression. The 6th string (F#3) is an entire octave higher than the 7th string (F#2), immediately followed by the 5th string (B2) which is lower than the 6th string. This creates a very wide and unusual harmonic spread across the lower strings, diverging significantly from standard tunings where pitch generally ascends consistently from thickest to thinnest string.

The lowest two strings (F#2 and F#3) are an octave apart, creating a massive, resonant bass foundation, indicative of a "Drop F#" style on the lowest string. The subsequent strings build upon this, creating an intervallic structure that heavily emphasizes minor tonalities and open, suspended voicings. The large jump in pitch from A3 (3rd string) to C#5 (2nd string) further highlights its non-standard approach.

Chords and Playability

Despite its complexity, the tuning lends itself well to specific voicings:

• Low Power Chords: The F#2 on the 7th string and F#3 on the 6th string allow for incredibly deep and thick power chords by simply muting the 5th string and above, or by fretting positions on the 7th string. The B2 on the 5th string can then be used to form F#sus4 power chords (F#-B-F#).
• F# Minor Voicings: Interestingly, the highest three open strings (3rd, 2nd, 1st) – A3, C#5, F#5 – collectively form an open F# minor triad (F#, A, C#). This makes it very easy to voice an F# minor chord high up on the neck with open strings, providing a bright, shimmering counterpoint to the low foundation.
• Open Minor Scale: The full open tuning notes (F#2, F#3, B2, E3, A3, C#5, F#5) contain the notes F#, A, B, C#, E. This is a subset of the F# natural minor scale (F# G# A B C# D E), making it inherently suited for playing in an F# minor key, and creating open, resonant minor 7th and suspended voicings (e.g., F#m7(add4)).
• Unique Shapes: The non-monotonic nature of the lower strings (F#2, F#3, B2) will require players to rethink conventional chord shapes, but also opens up possibilities for extremely wide, dissonant or complex voicings that are unique to this tuning.

Overall, this tuning is designed for aggressive, heavy riffing with an extended low range, while also providing a distinct high-end character for lead work and atmospheric parts, characteristic of Architects' sound.

How to Tune

Please note the specific string movements. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is highly recommended to ensure proper tension and prevent string breakage or intonation issues.

• 7th String (Lowest): Tune to F#2. You will need to Tune down 5 semitones. Take care as this is a significant drop, and a heavier gauge string might be advisable.
• 6th String: Tune to F#3. You will need to Tune up 2 semitones.
• 5th String: Tune to B2. You will need to Tune up 2 semitones.
• 4th String: Tune to E3. You will need to Tune up 2 semitones.
• 3rd String: Tune to A3. You will need to Tune up 2 semitones.
• 2nd String: Tune to C#5. You will need to Tune up 2 semitones.
• 1st String (Highest): Tune to F#5. You will need to Tune up 2 semitones.