Verbal Description

The "Drop G# Alternative Tuning" transforms your 7-string guitar into a powerhouse of low-end sonic possibilities. As its description states, this tuning essentially mirrors the popular Drop C# setup found on 6-string guitars, but extends that familiar pattern down into the sub-bass realm with an additional 7th string tuned to G#. This creates a massive, guttural sound ideal for genres requiring immense depth and heaviness, such as modern metal, djent, or progressive rock. The "drop" nature of the lowest strings makes for incredibly easy, single-finger power chords, allowing for quick, heavy riffing across the lower register. It offers a dark, brooding, and aggressive tonal landscape that can also lend itself to atmospheric textures due to its extended range and profound depth.

Technical Analysis

This is a 7-string guitar tuning with the following open notes from lowest to highest: G2#, C3#, G3#, C4#, F4#, A4#, D5#.

The core of this tuning is built around a repeated C# and G# motif, particularly in the lower strings:

• The lowest three strings (7, 6, 5) are tuned G2#, C3#, G3#. Played open, these strings immediately form a C#5 power chord (C# root, G# 5th, C# octave), providing a profoundly resonant foundation.
• Strings 6, 5, and 4 continue this pattern with C3#, G3#, C4#, allowing for effortless single-finger power chords across these strings. This familiar layout is a hallmark of "Drop" tunings, optimizing the lower register for powerful riffing.
• The intervals between the strings are as follows:
  • String 7 (G2#) to String 6 (C3#): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
  • String 6 (C3#) to String 5 (G3#): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
  • String 5 (G3#) to String 4 (C4#): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
  • String 4 (C4#) to String 3 (F4#): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
  • String 3 (F4#) to String 2 (A4#): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
  • String 2 (A4#) to String 1 (D5#): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• While no single conventional open chord is formed by all seven strings, the inherent structure strongly supports power chords and heavy riffing. The repetitive C# and G# notes across the lower strings provide strong fundamental and fifth relationships, making it extremely easy to produce powerful, resonant voicings with minimal effort. Chords rooted on C# or G# will naturally resonate well, and the extended low range opens up new possibilities for bass lines and extreme riffing.

How to Tune

To achieve Drop G# Alternative Tuning, starting from standard 7-string tuning (typically B2 E3 A3 D4 G4 B4 E5), follow these adjustments for each string:

• String 7 (Lowest G2#): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 6 (C3#): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 5 (G3#): Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 4 (C4#): Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 3 (F4#): Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 2 (A4#): Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 1 (Highest D5#): Tune down 1 semitone.

Important Note on String Gauge: The lowest two strings (7 and 6) require a significant drop of 3 semitones each. While this is generally manageable with standard heavy gauge strings, it approaches the point where string tension can become noticeably looser. If you consistently use this tuning, or if you plan to drop further, considering a heavier gauge string set for your lower strings is highly recommended to maintain optimal tension, intonation, and playability. For larger drops (exceeding 4 semitones down) or significant raises (exceeding 4 semitones up), a different gauge string is strongly advised for both playability and the long-term health of your instrument.