Verbal Analysis

This is a truly unique and challenging 7-string guitar tuning, famously used by Architects for their track "Black Lung" from the album "For Those Who Wish to Exist (2020)". It stands apart from conventional "drop" or standard tunings with its highly re-entrant and wide-ranging pitch scheme. The presence of an extremely low A1 on the 6th string, pitched even lower than the 7th string's G#2, immediately marks this as an adventurous and potentially difficult tuning to master, requiring a very specific string gauge setup to achieve optimal tension and intonation. The overall sonic landscape promises a dark, dissonant, and incredibly heavy sound, characteristic of Architects' progressive metal style. This tuning would lend itself to complex, open-string drone textures, and unconventional power chords that leverage its non-linear interval structure, providing a vast palette for intricate riffing and atmospheric sound design.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: 7-String Guitar
• Intended Use: As per the original description, this tuning is specifically associated with Architects for "Black Lung".
• Open Notes (Low to High Physical String Position): G#2 - A1 - F#3 - B2 - E3 - G#4 - C#5

Pitch and Interval Structure:

This tuning exhibits a highly irregular and re-entrant pitch progression. The 6th string (A1) is pitched significantly lower than the 7th string (G#2), which is highly unusual for a guitar and creates unique sonic possibilities but also significant challenges for playability and string selection.

• Lowest Pitch: A1 (6th string)
• Highest Pitch: C#5 (1st string)
• Overall Range: Nearly four octaves.
• Intervals from 7th String (G#2):
  • String 7 (G#2): Root
  • String 6 (A1): Major 7th below (or a compound Major 9th if considering A2 relative to G#2) - extremely low.
  • String 5 (F#3): Major 6th above
  • String 4 (B2): Major 2nd above
  • String 3 (E3): Perfect 4th above
  • String 2 (G#4): Octave above
  • String 1 (C#5): Perfect 4th above the octave (P11)

Chordal Implications:

The open strings do not form a conventional triad or extended chord. The extreme low A1 and the non-linear pitch progression suggest that traditional open chords are not easily formed. Instead, this tuning encourages:

• Dissonant Open Voicings: The combination of G#2 and A1, or G#2, B2, A1 offers highly dissonant clusters for heavy, grinding textures.
• Power Chords: While simple 1-5 power chords across adjacent strings might be challenging due to the re-entrancy, specific combinations can yield powerful results. For example, the G#2 (7th string) and G#4 (2nd string) provide a solid octave foundation. The notes G#, B, C#, E, F# are all present, forming components of a G# minor/Phrygian tonality. Open power chords on string 7 and 4 (G#2 and B2) yield a G#sus2. String 5 and 3 (F#3 and E3) form a F#sus4.
• Riffing Potential: The tuning is ideal for single-note lines and riffs, especially those that exploit the wide range and unique low-end rumble. The octave G#s can anchor complex melodic ideas.

Note on Discrepancy: It is important to acknowledge that the explicit 7-string tuning_notes (G#2 A1 F#3 B2 E3 G#4 C#5) provided for analysis differ significantly from the 6-string note sequence (G# F# B E G# C#) mentioned in the tuning_description. This analysis focuses strictly on the 7-string data from tuning_notes and string_movements as instructed.

How to Tune Architects' Low A Enigma (7-String)

To achieve this unique tuning, adjust each string from its standard pitch according to the instructions below. Please proceed with caution, especially with significant pitch changes.

• String 7 (Lowest String): Tune to G2# by tuning down 3 semitones.
• String 6: Tune to A1 by tuning down 7 semitones. Note: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant pitch drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension, tone, and to prevent string breakage or intonation issues.
• String 5: Tune to F3# by tuning down 3 semitones.
• String 4: Tune to B2 by tuning down 3 semitones.
• String 3: Tune to E3 by tuning down 3 semitones.
• String 2: Tune to G4# by tuning down 3 semitones.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune to C5# by tuning down 3 semitones.

For any string requiring a pitch change of more than 4 semitones (either up or down), selecting a different string gauge is generally recommended to maintain proper string tension, intonation, and to ensure the longevity of your instrument's neck.