Tuning Overview: 7 String Open G6 Dissonance

This unique 7-string tuning, which we've named "7 String Open G6 Dissonance," creates a powerful sonic landscape ideal for heavy modern metal, particularly grindcore. While the original description refers to an "Open D" concept, a technical analysis of the open string notes (G-D-G-D-G-D-E) reveals a strong G-based chord with a dissonant top end, aligning with a "Devin Townsend concept" for its aggressive, yet playable, character.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning is specifically designed for maximum impact and playability in extreme metal genres. It delivers a colossal, low-end rumble perfectly suited for grindcore and other super-heavy styles. The tuning is crafted to be "easy to play" without requiring "uncomfortable positions," suggesting an emphasis on simple fretting across multiple strings to achieve powerful sounds. A key characteristic is the "dissonance effect on S1/S2 strings," which adds a harsh, biting edge to the overall sound, moving beyond a simple open chord into more aggressive harmonic territory. This resonates with the experimental and heavy approach often found in Devin Townsend's work, where powerful open voicings are combined with unique, sometimes dissonant, harmonic textures.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to G1-D2-G2-D3-G3-D4-E4 (from the lowest 7th string to the highest 1st string).

• The bottom six strings (G1-D2-G2-D3-G3-D4) form a powerful, stacked G power chord across multiple octaves. This structure makes it incredibly easy to play thunderous power chords with a single finger or barre, ideal for rapid-fire riffing and chugging.
• The inclusion of the high E4 string over the D4 (string 2) creates a Major 2nd interval (D to E), which is the source of the described "dissonance effect." This interval is often used in heavier music to add tension, bite, and a less conventional melodic or harmonic quality.
• Overall, the open tuning essentially presents a G6 chord (G-D-G-D-G-D-E), though without the B (3rd) it leans heavily into a power chord foundation with a dissonant extension.
• Common chords within reach include massive G power chords by simply barring across the lower strings (7-2). The top two strings' dissonance can be exploited for melodic leads or rhythmic chugs that cut through a mix. Barre chords based on an Open G shape will be very effective across strings 7-2, with the high E adding a distinct flavor. Playing the open D4 and E4 together creates a sharp, cutting interval that is central to the tuning's character.

How to Tune

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard 7-string tuning (B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4). Pay close attention to the number of semitones, especially when tuning strings up, and consider string gauge as advised below.

• String 7 (Low B1): Tune down 4 semitones to G1. (This is a significant drop; considering a heavier gauge string for optimal tension is advised).
• String 6 (E2): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A2): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at D3.
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at G3.
• String 2 (B3): Tune up 3 semitones to D4. (This is a moderate rise; adjust carefully to prevent string breakage).
• String 1 (High E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E4.

Important Note on String Gauge: For changes exceeding 4 semitones (down for String 7) or approaching 4 semitones up (for String 2), you might consider using a different string gauge to ensure optimal tension, intonation, and to prevent string breakage (when tuning up significantly) or excessive floppiness (when tuning down significantly).

String 7 (Low G): Tuned to G1. This is the foundational note of the tuning, providing an incredibly deep, guttural bass for powerful, chugging riffs and extended low-end aggression.

String 6 (D): Tuned to D2. A perfect fifth above the lowest G, reinforcing the core power chord structure and adding to the thickness of the sound.

String 5 (G): Tuned to G2. An octave above the lowest string, contributing further to the massive resonance and full body of the open G chord.

String 4 (D): Tuned to D3. Another perfect fifth, continuing the stacked power chord voicing and enhancing the instrument's inherent power.

String 3 (G): Tuned to G3. Yet another octave of the root, ensuring that open chords are incredibly full, rich, and commanding.

String 2 (D): Tuned to D4. The highest perfect fifth in the G power chord stack, crucially setting up the key dissonance with the highest string.

String 1 (High E): Tuned to E4. This string introduces a striking major second interval with the D4 string below it. This creates the described "dissonance effect" that is vital for the aggressive, cutting, and modern metal sound of this tuning.