The "Drop G 7-String" tuning takes the low-end aggression of a 7-string guitar to an extreme, delivering a profoundly heavy and guttural sound perfect for various metal subgenres like Deathcore, Djent, and Extreme Metal. As the name suggests, it's essentially a 7-string Drop A tuning lowered a full step, achieving an incredibly deep register that provides a thick, resonant foundation. This tuning is famously utilized by bands such as Whitechapel, Born of Osiris, and Chelsea Grin, demonstrating its capability for bone-crushing breakdowns and intricate, dark sonic textures.

Technically, this tuning sets the lowest string to G1, followed by D2, G2, C3, F3, A3, and D4. This creates a powerful "Drop" configuration on the lowest strings: the 7th string (G) is a perfect fifth below the 6th string (D), allowing for easy one-finger power chords (G5) by barring the lowest three strings (G-D-G). This simple barre shape makes heavy riffing incredibly efficient, facilitating rapid power chord changes common in extreme metal. The arrangement of the open strings G-D-G-C-F-A-D, while forming a complex open voicing (a G Minor 7 with added 9 and 11) if played together, is primarily optimized for its resonant power and the ease of low-end riffing and chugging. The consistent whole-step drop for the upper six strings (relative to standard B-standard 7-string) helps maintain familiar fretboard patterns for scales and chord shapes once adjusted for the lower pitch.

The strings of your 7-string guitar will be tuned as follows:

• String 7: G1 (Lowest String)
• String 6: D2
• String 5: G2
• String 4: C3
• String 3: F3
• String 2: A3
• String 1: D4 (Highest String)

How to Tune

To achieve the Drop G 7-String tuning from a standard B Standard (B-E-A-D-G-B-E) 7-string tuning, follow these steps. Please be mindful of string tension. When tuning significantly down (or up), a different gauge string may be advised for optimal playability and intonation.

• String 7 (Low B): Tune down 4 semitones to G1. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is advised for best results.)
• String 6 (E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.