The Drop G/Double Drop C tuning for 7-string guitar offers a deeply resonant and powerful sound, ideal for genres demanding heavy low-end such as metal, progressive rock, and even atmospheric or experimental music. As described, this tuning is a half-step lower than a "Drop G#/Double Drop C#" setup, providing an even darker and more brooding sonic palette.

Technical Analysis

This is a formidable 7-string tuning with a low G1 on the seventh string. The open strings are configured as follows:

• 7th String: G1 (lowest note)
• 6th String: C2
• 5th String: G2
• 4th String: C3
• 3rd String: F3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: C4 (highest note)

Analyzing the intervals from the lowest string upwards:

• G1 to C2: Perfect 4th
• C2 to G2: Perfect 5th
• G2 to C3: Perfect 4th
• C3 to F3: Perfect 4th
• F3 to A3: Major 3rd
• A3 to C4: Minor 3rd

The lower four strings (G-C-G-C) create a massive, wide-interval power chord structure, laying a foundation of a C5 power chord with an octave G below. The presence of multiple perfect 4ths and 5ths contributes significantly to the tuning's inherent power and ease of forming heavy riffs. The upper three strings (F-A-C) form a clear F Major triad.

Chordal Opportunities

With the open strings themselves, you can instantly achieve a rich, complex harmony. Played open, the full set of strings (G-C-G-C-F-A-C) yields a chord that can be interpreted as a G9sus4 or a C6sus4, offering a unique blend of tension and resolution. This makes it excellent for ringing open chords or creating drones.

Due to the consistent P4 and P5 intervals on the lower strings, crafting powerful two- or three-note power chords is intuitive and requires minimal finger movement across the low register. For example, simply barring across the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings (C2, G2, C3) will give you a massive C5 chord. The upper strings (F-A-C) lend themselves readily to F Major triad voicings and related inversions. Experimenting with partial barres or single-finger fretting across the middle strings can unlock a surprising array of suspended and extended chords.

Tuning Notes

• 7th String: G1
• 6th String: C2
• 5th String: G2
• 4th String: C3
• 3rd String: F3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: C4

How to Tune

To achieve the Drop G/Double Drop C tuning, assume a standard 7-string tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-e) as your starting point. Please exercise caution with large tuning changes, as excessive tension or slack can damage your instrument or require a different string gauge.

• 7th String (B1): Tune down 4 semitones to G1. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is recommended for optimal tension and tone.)
• 6th String (E2): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is recommended for optimal tension and tone.)
• 5th String (A2): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D3): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (G3): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• 2nd String (B3): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (E4): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is recommended for optimal tension and tone.)