This unique 7-string tuning, inspired by Ichika Nito, creates an expansive and resonant soundscape. Often described as 'beautiful' and 'great for catching amazing chords,' it combines a deep, rich low end with bright, clear high notes. The tuning centers around an Ab major 7 chord, making it particularly suitable for ambient soundscapes, intricate fingerstyle, and progressive compositions that benefit from complex harmonic structures and open voicings. The significant drop in pitch across most strings results in a lower overall tension, lending a slinky, expressive feel to the instrument.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to G#2 D#3 G2 C3 G3 G#4 C4 (or more commonly expressed as Ab2 Eb3 G2 C3 G3 Ab4 C4). This 7-string setup features a wide range of notes, spanning over two and a half octaves.

• Root Note: The lowest string is Ab2 (G#2), establishing a strong, deep foundation.
• Abmaj7 Chord: The tuning inherently contains the notes of an Ab major 7 chord (Ab, C, Eb, G) spread across the strings. This means that strumming all open strings will yield a rich Abmaj7 voicing.
• Repeated Notes: There are two G strings (G2, G3), two Ab strings (Ab2, Ab4), and two C strings (C3, C4). This repetition across different octaves allows for dense, harmonically rich voicings with minimal effort and facilitates melodic lines that weave through sustained chords.
• Unique Intervals: The intervals between strings are varied, offering interesting harmonic possibilities beyond standard tunings. For example, the jump from G2 to C3 (a perfect fourth) followed by C3 to G3 (a perfect fifth) creates a versatile central block for chord construction. The high C4 combined with the lower C3 adds a ringing quality.

Open Chords & Voicings

This tuning naturally lends itself to creating lush, open voicings:

• Ab Major 7: Strumming all seven open strings immediately produces a full and resonant Abmaj7 chord (Ab2 Eb3 G2 C3 G3 Ab4 C4). This is the core harmony of the tuning.
• C Major Triad: By omitting the lowest Ab and Eb strings, the remaining G2 C3 G3 Ab4 C4 can form interesting C-related voicings, especially a Csus2 or a Cmaj7#11 if the Ab is heard as G#.
• G Major / G Sus: The presence of G2 and G3, along with C3, allows for easy G major or Gsus chords, especially when combined with the Eb3 or Ab2.
• Power Chords: Simple two or three-finger power chords (e.g., Ab5 on the lowest strings) are readily available.
• Melodic Opportunities: The strategic placement of identical notes at different octaves, such as G2 and G3, and C3 and C4, provides a rich canvas for arpeggios and melodic phrases that utilize open strings to great effect.

Open String Notes

• String 7 (Lowest): G#2 (Ab2)
• String 6: D#3 (Eb3)
• String 5: G2
• String 4: C3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: G#4 (Ab4)
• String 1 (Highest): C4

How to Tune

To achieve Ichika Nito's Ethereal Tuning, follow these steps. Please note the significant drops in pitch for several strings. Always tune carefully and be mindful of string tension.

• String 7 (Lowest): Tune to G#2 (Ab2). This string must be tuned down 3 semitones.
• String 6: Tune to D#3 (Eb3). This string must be tuned down 1 semitone.
• String 5: Tune to G2. This string must be tuned down 2 semitones.
• String 4: Tune to C3. This string must be tuned down 2 semitones.
• String 3: Tune to G3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2: Tune to G#4 (Ab4). This string must be tuned down 3 semitones.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune to C4. This string must be tuned down 4 semitones. Note: A drop of 4 semitones is significant; a different gauge string may be advised for optimal tension and tone.