Verbal Description

This 7-string tuning, which we've named G Lydian Open Tuning, offers a remarkably rich and expansive sound palette. The lowest three strings establish a powerful, resonant G octave (G1-D2-G2), providing a deep and solid foundation ideal for heavy riffs, drone effects, or full, strummed chords. Moving to the higher strings, the tuning introduces a unique melodic texture that hints at G Lydian or extended G chords. It’s a versatile tuning, perfect for creating sweeping soundscapes, intricate fingerstyle pieces, or enhancing a progressive rock sound with its complex harmonic possibilities and bright, open character.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this 7-string guitar, from lowest (String 7) to highest (String 1), are: G1-D2-G2-A3-E3-C4-G4.

Analyzing the intervals from the lowest G (G1), we find a compelling harmonic structure:

• String 7 (G1): Root
• String 6 (D2): Perfect 5th (P5) above G1
• String 5 (G2): Octave (P8) above G1
• String 4 (A3): Major 9th (M9) above G1, or Major 2nd (M2) above G2
• String 3 (E3): Major 13th (M13) above G1, or Major 6th (M6) above G2
• String 2 (C4): Perfect 11th (P11) above G1, or Perfect 4th (P4) above G2
• String 1 (G4): Perfect 15th (P15) above G1, or Octave (P8) above G2

The collective set of open notes – G, A, C, D, E – strongly outlines a G major sound (with G-D-G establishing the root and fifth) but incorporates additional extensions. It can be perceived as a Gsus2/sus4 chord with an added major 6th, or a Gmaj13 chord with missing 3rd (B) and 7th (F#). This blend contributes to its bright, open, and somewhat Lydian character, offering a wide range of harmonic possibilities beyond a simple open chord.

Chords within Reach (Open Voicings and Shapes)

• Open G Power Chord: Strumming the lowest three strings (G1-D2-G2) yields a powerful and resonant G power chord, ideal for heavy rhythm work or strong foundational sounds.
• G Extended Voicings: The full open tuning G-D-G-A-E-C-G creates a rich, complex harmony. By selectively muting or omitting certain strings, you can highlight different extensions like Gsus2, Gsus4, Gmaj6, or G11/13 voicings.
• C Major Family Chords: The presence of C, E, G, A, and D in the open strings makes it surprisingly easy to form C major, C6, or Cadd9 shapes with minimal fretting, especially higher up the neck. For example, a simple barre can reveal rich C-based harmonies.
• Minor Voicings: The E3 and A3 in the open tuning can facilitate easy Em or Am voicings on the middle strings, often requiring only one or two fingers to complete common chord shapes.

How to Tune (from Standard 7-String B-E-A-D-G-B-E)

When retuning, please be aware that significant changes in string tension can occur. Tuning a string up or down beyond 4 semitones may require a different string gauge to maintain optimal playability, intonation, and string life. Pay particular attention to String 4 and String 7.

• String 7 (B1): Tune down 4 semitones to G1. (Warning: This is a significant down-tuning; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension.)
• String 6 (E2): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A2): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D3): Tune up 7 semitones to A3. (Warning: This is a substantial increase in tension; a heavier gauge string is highly recommended to prevent breakage and improve tone.)
• String 3 (G3): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B3): Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• String 1 (E4): Tune up 3 semitones to G4.

String 7 (Lowest): G1 – The fundamental low G, providing a deep, resonant bass foundation for the entire tuning.

String 6: D2 – Tuned a perfect fifth above the lowest G, contributing to the powerful low-end and open G power chord feel.

String 5: G2 – An octave above the lowest G, this string strongly reinforces the root note and adds immense resonance to the open tuning.

String 4: A3 – A bright and clear A, serving as a major ninth above the lowest G, vital for the extended and open character of this tuning.

String 3: E3 – A melodic E, acting as a major sixth above the lowest G, which introduces a sweet, consonant interval into the open voicing.

String 2: C4 – A perfect fourth above G2, or an eleventh above G1, adding a rich, modern harmonic layer to the tuning.

String 1 (Highest): G4 – The highest string, an octave above G2, completing the tuning with a bright, ringing G that enhances overall resonance and clarity.