Description of the 7 String Nick Drake Tuning

This unique 7-string tuning, aptly named "7 String Nick Drake," extends the atmospheric and open characteristics often found in Nick Drake's original 6-string compositions. It creates a deeply resonant and somewhat melancholic soundscape, perfect for fingerstyle, ambient textures, and expressive chordal work. The expanded range of the 7-string guitar with a low G note opens up new possibilities for bass lines and drone notes that are simply not achievable on a standard 6-string instrument.

Technical Analysis:

The tuning's notes are G1-C2-G2-C3-F3-C4-E4. This arrangement features a strong C major tonality with the repeated C notes across octaves (C2, C3, C4) and an E (E4). The addition of the F3 string introduces a distinctive, often melancholic or Lydian/Mixolydian flavor, creating a Cmaj7sus4 or C7sus4 harmonic structure when played openly (C-E-G-F). The low G (G1) provides a solid root or fifth, allowing for deep, droning bass notes and expansive voicings.

When all strings are strummed open, the resulting chord (G-C-G-C-F-C-E) is rich and complex. It contains elements of a C major triad (C-E-G), an F note, and a low G octave. This creates a powerful, open C major sound with an added F, which can be interpreted as a Cmaj7sus4 or Cmaj11 (without the B). This makes for beautiful, sustained open chords that are neither strictly major nor minor but highly emotive and resonant.

The interval structure across the strings also lends itself to easy chord shapes. Simple barring across multiple strings can yield interesting harmonic clusters, while fretting just a few strings allows for unique voicings that retain the open string drones. For example, a basic C major chord can be easily implied by playing the C, G, C, F, C, E strings; one might fret the F3 to G3 for a pure C major triad, or embrace the F for a Cmaj7sus4 flavor. The close proximity of C4 and E4, along with F3, allows for delicate harmonic interplay on the higher strings, ideal for intricate fingerstyle patterns.

How to Tune to 7 String Nick Drake

To achieve the "7 String Nick Drake" tuning (G1-C2-G2-C3-F3-C4-E4) from standard 7-string tuning (B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), follow these precise string adjustments. Please note that significant drops in pitch for the lowest strings may require a heavier gauge string set for optimal tension and tone.

• 7th String (Lowest): Tune down 4 semitones from B1 to G1. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is advised for better stability and tone.)
• 6th String: Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is advised for better stability and tone.)
• 5th String: Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String: Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• 3rd String: Tune down 2 semitones from G3 to F3.
• 2nd String: Tune up 1 semitone from B3 to C4.
• 1st String (Highest): Keep as is; no change from E4.