The "Drop Gmaj9" tuning for a 7-string Guitar is a unique and harmonically rich variation, described as ideal for progressive metal or beautiful big chords. This tuning re-imagines the traditional drop G approach, extending it with sophisticated major 9th voicings.

Technical Analysis

This is a 7-string tuning, with the open notes from the lowest (7th) to highest (1st) string being: G1, D2, F#3, B2, D3, A3, B3. While unconventional in its string octave placement (e.g., F#3 appearing before B2 in the string order from lowest to highest string number), the collective open notes of this tuning form a powerful G Major 9th chord (G - B - D - F# - A). The low G1 provides a deep, resonant foundation, characteristic of drop tunings, while the subsequent strings build a rich harmonic cluster.

The open strings essentially lay out the root (G), fifth (D), major third (B), major seventh (F#), and ninth (A) of a Gmaj9 chord, with octave doublings of the third and fifth. This provides an incredibly full and vibrant open chord sound, ready for immediate use in lush arpeggios or powerful, wide voicings.

Chords & Playability

With the open strings forming a Gmaj9, players can immediately access this complex, beautiful chord with a single strum. This makes it exceptionally easy to experiment with moving this entire chord shape up and down the neck, or incorporating it into progressions. The low G allows for chunky, heavy riffs characteristic of progressive metal, while the higher strings provide ample opportunity for intricate lead lines and extended chord voicings.

Traditional power chord shapes on the lower strings will be simplified, especially for the 7th and 6th strings (G1-D2, a perfect 5th interval). However, the non-linear octave jumps between strings (e.g., String 5 (F#3) is higher than String 4 (B2)) mean that standard chord shapes will need significant adaptation or re-imagination. This encourages players to explore new fingerings and harmonic possibilities, leveraging the unique string relationships to create distinct melodic and harmonic textures.

How to Tune

To achieve the Drop Gmaj9 tuning, adjust your 7-string guitar strings as follows:

• 7th String (G1): Tune down 4 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.
• 6th String (D2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• 5th String (F#3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• 4th String (B2): Tune down 3 semitones.
• 3rd String (D3): Tune down 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.
• 2nd String (A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• 1st String (B3): Tune down 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.

Please ensure your guitar's intonation is checked after making such significant tuning adjustments, especially for strings with movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, as a different string gauge might be necessary to maintain proper playability and tone.

7th String: G1
6th String: D2
5th String: F#3
4th String: B2
3rd String: D3
2nd String: A3
1st String: B3