This unique 7-string guitar tuning, originally named "7 String G minor," is described as an "Evolution of using G minor tuning on Baritone guitar." This suggests a deliberate intent to achieve a dark, rich, and deeply resonant low end, characteristic of baritone instruments, but within the context of a 7-string guitar. It sets a profoundly resonant stage for heavy riffs, atmospheric soundscapes, and complex harmonies, providing a powerful sonic foundation.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes, from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st), are: G1 - D2 - G2 - A#3 - D#4 - G3 - C4.

• The lowest three strings (G1-D2-G2) immediately form a massive G5 (G power chord), providing an incredibly solid and resonant foundation for open string riffs and chugging.
• The presence of A#3 (B-flat, the minor third of G) and D#4 (E-flat, the minor sixth or flat sixth of G) across the middle strings strongly reinforces a G minor tonality. This combination effectively outlines a G minor 6 chord (G-Bb-D-Eb) within the tuning, creating a rich harmonic texture.
• The top two strings (G3-C4) add an octave G and a perfect fourth (C) relative to G, providing additional harmonic depth and unique voicing possibilities that can expand beyond a simple minor chord.
• The overall tuning emphasizes a G minor tonality with a distinctive character, allowing for both resonant open chord shapes and easy formation of G minor-based power chords and full chords by barring across the low G strings. The wide intervallic range, particularly the very low G1, offers exceptional depth, sustain, and an aggressive sonic profile.

Chordal Possibilities

This tuning lends itself well to several open and easily reachable chord shapes, facilitating powerful and atmospheric playing:

• Open G5 / G Power Chord: Strumming the lowest three strings (G1-D2-G2) provides a huge G power chord. Sliding this simple shape up the neck will yield power chords in various keys with minimal effort.
• Open G minor feel: Strumming all strings from G1 to G3 (G1-D2-G2-A#3-D#4-G3) will yield a rich G minor 6 voicing, offering a melancholic yet full sound.
• Barre Chords: The consistent drop-tuning pattern on many strings means that barre chords can be formed relatively easily by shifting established shapes across the fretboard, especially for minor chord voicings that capitalize on the open string relationships.
• Unique Voicings: The specific combination of notes (G-D-G-A#-D#-G-C) allows for complex, dark, and open string voicings that would be challenging to achieve in standard tuning, inviting experimentation.

How to Tune

To achieve this distinctive G minor tuning, you will need to significantly drop the pitch of most strings from their standard positions. Given that several strings require a downward adjustment of 4 semitones (equivalent to a major third), it is highly advisable to use a heavier gauge string set than standard. This will help maintain proper string tension, intonation, and prevent potential string instability or breakage due to extreme down-tuning.

• 7th String (Lowest): Tune down 4 semitones to G1.
• 6th String: Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String: Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String: Tune down 4 semitones to A#3 (B-flat 3).
• 3rd String: Tune down 4 semitones to D#4 (E-flat 4).
• 2nd String: Tune down 4 semitones to G3.
• 1st String (Highest): Tune down 4 semitones to C4.