The "Orion" tuning is a powerful and specialized setup for 7-string guitarists, particularly those venturing into the heavy, aggressive soundscapes of genres like deathcore, as its creator suggests. It's built upon a foundation of familiar comfort combined with an extreme low-end extension.

Verbal Analysis:

This tuning offers the best of both worlds: the versatility of a standard 6-string guitar and the crushing depth of a significantly dropped 7th string. The top six strings retain the classic E-Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), meaning that all your familiar chords, scales, and lead patterns remain accessible and comfortable. This prevents the tuning from feeling entirely alien, making it easier to adapt to. The real character of Orion emerges with its extremely low 7th string, tuned to G1. This deep, resonant note plunges the guitar into earth-shattering territories, perfect for thunderous chugs, guttural riffs, and expansive sonic textures. It's a tuning designed to make your guitar feel like a weapon, delivering maximum impact in heavy music.

Technical Analysis:

• Full Tuning: G1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4 (from lowest to highest string).
• Standard Core: Strings 6 through 1 are tuned to E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4, which is the widely recognized E-Standard tuning. This maintains consistent intervals of Perfect 4ths (E-A, A-D, D-G), a Major 3rd (G-B), and another Perfect 4th (B-E) across these strings.
• Extreme Drop on 7th String: The 7th string is tuned to G1. This represents a significant drop from a common 7-string low B1 or A1. The interval between the 7th string (G1) and the 6th string (E2) is a Major 6th (9 semitones), creating a wide gap that emphasizes the drone-like quality of the lowest string.
• Chordal Possibilities:
  • Standard Open Chords: All traditional open chords (E, A, D, G, C major/minor, etc.) are fully playable on the top six strings without modification, thanks to the E-Standard portion of the tuning.
  • Power Chords & Riffs: The open G1 on the 7th string makes it an ideal low root for G power chords and riffs. You can achieve massive G5 power chords by playing the open 7th string and then fretting the 3rd fret on the 6th string (G) and 5th fret on the 5th string (D). The open G1 also pairs well with the open G3 on the 3rd string, offering a wide octave spread perfect for heavy, resonant voicings or droning.
  • Dominant Low End: The very low G1 primarily functions as a foundation for single-note chugs, bass-like lines, and adding incredible weight to breakdown sections. Its wide interval from the 6th string encourages using it for root notes or specific dissonant harmonies rather than complex full-string chords.
• Suitability: This tuning is exceptionally well-suited for genres requiring extreme low-end articulation, tight rhythm work, and a thick, wall-of-sound delivery, aligning perfectly with its described use in deathcore.

How to Tune to Orion:

To achieve the "Orion" tuning, you will start with a standard 7-string guitar (typically tuned B-E-A-D-G-B-E) and make the following adjustments. Please be mindful of string tension, especially with significant drops. For movements exceeding -4 or +4 semitones, it's often advisable to consider a different string gauge to maintain optimal playability and intonation.

• 7th String (Lowest, G1): Tune down 4 semitones. Starting from a typical B1, this will bring your string down to a powerful G1. This is exactly at the threshold where a heavier gauge string might be considered.
• 6th String (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains E2.
• 5th String (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains A2.
• 4th String (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains D3.
• 3rd String (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains G3.
• 2nd String (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains B3.
• 1st String (Highest, E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains E4.