Verbal Analysis: The Sound of GEADEAD

This captivating 7-string tuning, which we've named "The G6/9 Metal Drone," is a true playground for metal and progressive guitarists, echoing its original description of being "full of dissonant chords, full of riff options...and djent, great for metal." It diverges significantly from standard tunings, introducing a deep, resonant G1 on the lowest string, providing an incredibly solid and rumbling foundation. The unique arrangement of notes – G-E-A-D-E-A-D – creates a rich tapestry of intervals, blending the power of low-end drone with the harmonic interest of a Major 6th and 2nd. The repeated E-A-D structure across different octaves lends itself to intricate melodic patterns and wide-interval arpeggios, while the overall open voicing encourages percussive djent rhythms and expansive, atmospheric soundscapes. This tuning invites experimentation, allowing for both crushing power chords and surprisingly complex harmonic textures.

Technical Analysis: Unpacking the Intervals

• Root Note: The G1 on the 7th string serves as the dominant low root, providing immense depth and sustain.
• Open Chord Voicing: When strummed open, the tuning forms a Gmaj6add9 chord (G-D-E-A), offering a rich, full, and slightly ambiguous sound. This makes it ideal for open string drones and unique harmonic beds.
• Interval Structure (from lowest G1):
  • 7th String (G1): Root
  • 6th String (E2): Major 6th (M6) above G1
  • 5th String (A2): Major 2nd (M2) above G1
  • 4th String (D3): Perfect 5th (P5) above G1
  • 3rd String (E3): Octave of the 6th string E2, maintaining the M6 interval from G1
  • 2nd String (A3): Octave of the 5th string A2, maintaining the M2 interval from G1
  • 1st String (D4): Octave of the 4th string D3, maintaining the P5 interval from G1
• Chordal Possibilities:
  • Power Chords: Easily accessible on the lowest strings. For example, a G5 power chord can be formed using the 7th (G1) and 4th (D3) strings. Movable power chords are straightforward on the lowest string, using the 4th string as the perfect 5th.
  • Open Voicings: The unique G-E-A-D-E-A-D structure allows for interesting suspended and extended chords simply by fretting one or two notes. The repetition of E-A-D across octaves provides an excellent framework for melodic phrases and harmonized lines that can sound very full and complex with minimal effort.
  • Dissonance & Resonance: The blend of perfect intervals (G-D) with major 6th and 2nd (G-E, G-A) creates opportunities for both powerful, resonant chords and sharp, cutting dissonances, perfect for the djent aesthetic.
• Suitability: This tuning is exceptionally well-suited for heavy, low-tuned genres, progressive metal, and experimental sound design. Its combination of a crushing low end and harmonically rich upper register makes it versatile for both rhythm and lead playing.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "The G6/9 Metal Drone" tuning, begin from your guitar's current tuning and adjust each string as follows:

• 7th String (Low G): To achieve G1, tune this string down 4 semitones.
• 6th String (E): To achieve E2, keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A): To achieve A2, keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 4th String (D): To achieve D3, keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (E): To achieve E3, tune this string down 3 semitones.
• 2nd String (A): To achieve A3, tune this string down 2 semitones.
• 1st String (D): To achieve D4, tune this string down 2 semitones.

String Gauge Recommendation: For this specific tuning, no individual string movement strictly falls outside the recommended range for a standard gauge (i.e., less than -4 semitones down or 4 semitones up or more). However, achieving a clear, tight low G1 often benefits from a slightly heavier gauge string to prevent excessive floppiness, especially when playing aggressively.

7th String: G1

6th String: E2

5th String: A2

4th String: D3

3rd String: E3

2nd String: A3

1st String: D4