This unique 7-string guitar tuning, originally described as 'GBF#DF#AE' and quite emphatically as 'a kind of stupid 7 string tuning' (though we prefer to call it 'The Asymmetrical Descension'), ventures into truly experimental territory. It's designed for players seeking an exceptionally deep and unusually voiced sonic landscape, pushing the boundaries of conventional harmony and playability on their Guitar.

Verbal Analysis

"The Asymmetrical Descension" plunges the lowest strings into unprecedented depths, with G1 and B1 creating a massive, rumbling foundation. This immediately sets a dark and resonant mood, ideal for genres like djent, doom metal, or avant-garde soundscapes where extreme low-end presence is desired. The tuning then features a surprising leap to F#3, followed by a tight grouping of D3, F#4, A3, and E4. The presence of two F# notes across different octaves (F#3 and F#4) creates interesting, resonant overtones and gives the tuning a distinctive harmonic color. Open chords will be highly unconventional, requiring players to explore new fingerings and embrace unique dissonances or unexpected consonances. The arrangement suggests an underlying G major tonality (G, B, D) but is heavily influenced by the presence of E, A, and F#, leading to complex, often suspended or extended harmonic possibilities on the higher strings. This is a tuning for the adventurous musician looking to sculpt truly original sounds.

Technical Analysis

The tuning consists of the notes: G1-B1-F#3-D3-F#4-A3-E4, from lowest to highest string.

• String 7 (G1) to String 6 (B1): A Major 3rd interval (4 semitones). This creates a fundamental, open harmony at the very bottom.
• String 6 (B1) to String 5 (F#3): A very wide interval spanning two octaves and a Perfect 5th (B1 to F#3). This creates a dramatic jump in pitch, giving the tuning an expansive, dispersed feel.
• String 5 (F#3) to String 4 (D3): A descending Minor 3rd (3 semitones). This creates a surprisingly tight, inward-looking interval amidst the wider leaps.
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (F#4): An ascending Major 10th (Major 3rd plus an octave, 15 semitones). Another significant leap, reiterating F# an octave higher.
• String 3 (F#4) to String 2 (A3): A descending Minor 6th (9 semitones down). This unexpected drop creates an intriguing tension.
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (E4): An ascending Perfect 5th (7 semitones). A more conventional, consonant interval at the top end.

The presence of G, B, and D across the open strings (G1, B1, D3) allows for a G Major triad, but the other notes (F#3, F#4, A3, E4) introduce extensions and colors that prevent a straightforward open G major sound. The repeated F#s (F#3 and F#4) add a unique resonance, suggesting a strong F# dominant or diminished quality within the broader G tonal center, leading to complex and rich harmonic textures.

How to Tune

To achieve "The Asymmetrical Descension" tuning for your 7-string guitar, carefully adjust your strings as follows. Please take particular care with string tension and consider string gauge advice for significant pitch changes.

• String 7 (Lowest): Tune to G1. This string needs to be tuned down 4 semitones. Given this significant drop, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• String 6: Tune to B1. This string needs to be tuned down 5 semitones. As this is a substantial pitch reduction, a heavier gauge string is highly recommended to prevent floppiness and ensure good intonation.
• String 5: Tune to F#3. This string needs to be tuned down 3 semitones.
• String 4: Tune to D3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3: Tune to F#4. This string needs to be tuned down 1 semitone.
• String 2: Tune to A3. This string needs to be tuned down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune to E4. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

String 7 (Lowest): G1

String 6: B1

String 5: F#3

String 4: D3

String 3: F#4

String 2: A3

String 1 (Highest): E4