Verbal Analysis

This tuning, named '7 String Standard G# Extended Baritone Standard', presents a uniquely deep and resonant character, pushing the boundaries of conventional guitar tunings. The overall pitch is significantly low, creating a dark, heavy sonic landscape ideal for genres like extreme metal, djent, or any music requiring an exceptionally thick and brooding foundation. While the lower and upper string sets maintain a consistent perfect fourth interval structure, the presence of an unusually low B2 on the 4th string dramatically alters the tuning's flow, creating a distinct sonic dip in the middle. This makes the tuning highly unconventional, requiring players to approach chord voicings and scale patterns with a fresh perspective. It offers a powerful, almost bass-like presence in its lower registers, leading to a sound that is both commanding and full of tension due to its non-linear interval structure.

Technical Analysis

This 7-string tuning is set to G#2 C#3 F#3 B2 D#4 G#4 C#5 from the lowest (String 7) to highest (String 1) pitch.

• String 7 (G#2) to String 6 (C#3): A Perfect Fourth (5 semitones) up.
• String 6 (C#3) to String 5 (F#3): A Perfect Fourth (5 semitones) up.
• String 5 (F#3) to String 4 (B2): This is a highly unusual interval, a Minor Seventh (10 semitones) *down*. The B2 on String 4 is lower in pitch than String 6 and String 7, creating a significant dip in the tuning progression and a unique sonic characteristic.
• String 4 (B2) to String 3 (D#4): A very large Major Ninth (17 semitones) up, spanning more than an octave and a half.
• String 3 (D#4) to String 2 (G#4): A Perfect Fourth (5 semitones) up.
• String 2 (G#4) to String 1 (C#5): A Perfect Fourth (5 semitones) up.

The tuning's overall range spans from G#2 to C#5. While the lower and upper three strings maintain consistent perfect fourth intervals, the large downward jump to B2 on String 4 and the subsequent massive upward leap to D#4 on String 3 makes this tuning far from 'standard' in its conventional definition. This configuration would likely necessitate specialized fingering techniques and a departure from typical chord shapes, offering a unique landscape for exploration.

Open Chords & Accessible Voicings

Due to its unique and non-linear interval structure, traditional open chord shapes will need significant adaptation. However, some interesting and powerful voicings naturally emerge:

• An open G# minor triad can be formed by playing Strings 7 (G#2), 4 (B2), and 3 (D#4) simultaneously. This creates a deeply resonant and dark G# minor chord with a wide, almost piano-like spread.
• The three lowest strings (G#2, C#3, F#3) are in perfect fourths, lending themselves to powerful, low-register open voicings suitable for heavy riffing or drones.
• Similarly, the top three strings (D#4, G#4, C#5) also in perfect fourths allow for easy construction of higher-register power chords or open voicings, akin to the middle strings of a standard-tuned guitar.
• The isolated B2 on String 4 provides a unique drone or root note for specific melodic or rhythmic ideas, potentially allowing for open B-based chords by fretting adjacent strings in relation to this very low B.

How to Tune

To achieve the '7 String Standard G#' tuning, you will need to tune each string as follows. Please exercise caution when making significant tuning adjustments, especially when tuning up multiple semitones, and ensure your instrument can handle the reduced string tension.

• String 7 (Lowest String): Tune down 3 semitones to G#2.
• String 6: Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• String 5: Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 4: Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3: Tune down 4 semitones to D#4. Note: As this movement is 4 semitones down, considering a different gauge string might be advisable for optimal tension and tone.
• String 2: Tune down 3 semitones to G#4.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.

For any tuning adjustment exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), a different string gauge is generally recommended to maintain proper string tension, intonation, and to prevent potential string breakage or damage to the instrument. This ensures the best playability and sound quality for such significant pitch changes.

String 7: G2#

String 6: C3#

String 5: F3#

String 4: B2

String 3: D4#

String 2: G4#

String 1: C5#