Verbal Description

This is a captivating 7-string guitar tuning, notably popularized by Ben Howard. It offers a deep, resonant soundscape, characterized by its low G foundation and a predominantly C and G centric voicing. The tuning provides an expansive tonal palette, ideal for creating atmospheric textures, intricate fingerstyle patterns, and percussive rhythms that are hallmarks of Howard's unique style. The presence of two adjacent strings tuned to the exact same note (G3) creates a powerful drone effect and opens up possibilities for expressive unison bends or octave harmonies, adding a distinct character to the sound.

Technical Analysis

This tuning for a 7-string guitar is a profound modification of standard tuning, resulting in the notes G1-C2-G2-C3-G3-G3-C4 from lowest to highest string. It can be characterized as a variant of Open C tuning (typically C-G-C-G-C-E for a 6-string), but extended with a very low G and featuring a unique unison on the middle strings.

• String 7 (G1): The lowest string, establishing a very deep root.
• String 6 (C2): A perfect fourth above the 7th string (G1 to C2).
• String 5 (G2): A perfect fifth above the 6th string (C2 to G2).
• String 4 (C3): A perfect fourth above the 5th string (G2 to C3).
• String 3 (G3): A perfect fifth above the 4th string (C3 to G3).
• String 2 (G3): Tuned in unison with the 3rd string (G3 to G3), a unique feature providing a strong drone or doubled effect.
• String 1 (C4): A perfect fourth above the 2nd string (G3 to C4).

The tuning heavily features the notes C and G across multiple octaves, creating a rich harmonic resonance.

Open Chords & Accessibility

The open strings themselves form a rich, full voicing, essentially a C major chord with a strong G bass foundation (G1-C2-G2-C3-G3-G3-C4). While technically containing only C and G notes, its strong C-G-C-G pattern and the lowest G provide a solid harmonic base for C major, G major, or more suspended and drone-like sounds. The open strings also lend themselves beautifully to:

• Power Chords: The consecutive fourth and fifth intervals on the lower strings make two- and three-note power chords incredibly easy to achieve with minimal fretting.
• Drone Playing: The repeated G notes (G1, G2, G3, G3) allow for powerful, sustained drone effects, particularly suitable for percussive or ambient styles.
• Accessible Shapes: Simple barres across multiple strings can quickly yield large, resonant C major or G major voicings, as well as more open, modal sonorities.
• Unison/Octave Effects: The G3 unison on strings 3 and 2 is perfect for creating thick, harmonically rich unison lines or for exploring unique bending techniques.

This tuning encourages exploration beyond standard chord shapes, making it inspiring for composers seeking unique harmonic possibilities and a deep, resonant sound.

Tuning Notes

String 7 (Lowest): G1 (Gamma in the first octave)

String 6: C2 (C in the second octave)

String 5: G2 (Gamma in the second octave)

String 4: C3 (C in the third octave)

String 3: G3 (Gamma in the third octave)

String 2: G3 (Gamma in the third octave)

String 1 (Highest): C4 (C in the fourth octave)

How to Tune

To achieve the Ben Howard 7-string tuning from a standard 7-string tuning (B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), follow these specific adjustments:

• String 7 (B1): Tune down 4 semitones to G1. Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string if this tuning is kept for extended periods to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• String 6 (E2): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string if this tuning is kept for extended periods.
• String 5 (A2): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D3): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B3): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string if this tuning is kept for extended periods.
• String 1 (E4): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string if this tuning is kept for extended periods.

Always tune carefully, checking intonation as you go. For any string movement exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), a different gauge string is generally advised for optimal playability, tone, and to prevent potential damage to your instrument's neck or bridge due to extreme tension changes.