The G# Low Sus7 Drop tuning transforms your 7-string guitar into a beast of resonant power, ideal for genres demanding a heavy, slightly dark, and harmonically rich sound. This tuning leans into the realm of modern metal, progressive rock, and even cinematic soundscapes, where low-end growl and complex chord voicings are prized. While the open strings offer a unique and full harmonic landscape, the consistency in the string movements ensures a relatively smooth transition from standard tuning for most players.

Technical Analysis

This is a 7-string open tuning built around a G# root. The open strings are voiced as G#2 D#3 G#3 C#4 F#4 G#4 D#5. Analysing the intervals from the lowest G# string:

• String 7 (G#2): Root
• String 6 (D#3): Perfect 5th
• String 5 (G#3): Octave
• String 4 (C#4): Perfect 4th
• String 3 (F#4): Minor 7th
• String 2 (G#4): Octave
• String 1 (D#5): Octave + Perfect 5th

The open strings form a complex G#sus4(m7) chord (G#, C#, D#, F#) with strong root and fifth reinforcement across multiple octaves. This creates a full, yet slightly tense and suspended harmonic foundation. The low G# and D# on the thickest strings provide immense power and depth, perfect for chugging riffs and driving rhythms.

Accessible Chords and Voicings

• Open Voicing: The open strings themselves present a rich G#sus4(m7) chord, which can be used as a powerful drone or the basis for intricate arpeggios.
• Power Chords: The lowest three strings (G#2 D#3 G#3) naturally form a strong G#5 power chord, offering a massive low-end for heavy riffs.
• Barre Chords: Due to the open chord structure, barring all strings at any fret will yield movable chord shapes with similar suspended/minor 7th characteristics, allowing for easy transposition of complex harmonies up and down the neck. Experimenting with partial barres will reveal a multitude of unique chord voicings.
• Melodic Play: The intervals, particularly the P4ths and the m7th, lend themselves well to melodic lines that can weave between the harmonic tension of the open strings. This tuning is also well-suited for slide guitar, where the consistent intervals on some string sets can create flowing melodic passages.

How to Tune

To achieve the G# Low Sus7 Drop tuning, follow these instructions for each string. Remember to tune carefully and in small increments.

• String 7: Tune to G#2 by moving it down 3 semitones.
• String 6: Tune to D#3 by moving it down 1 semitone.
• String 5: Tune to G#3 by moving it down 1 semitone.
• String 4: Tune to C#4 by moving it down 1 semitone.
• String 3: Tune to F#4 by moving it down 1 semitone.
• String 2: Tune to G#4 by moving it down 3 semitones.
• String 1: Tune to D#5 by moving it down 1 semitone.

Important Note on String Gauge: Generally, if a string is tuned up or down by more than 4 semitones (e.g., -5, +5), a different string gauge might be advised for optimal tension and playability. For this specific tuning, all string adjustments are within the typically recommended safe limits, meaning your current string set should accommodate it without excessive tension or looseness.

Here are the notes for each string of the G# Low Sus7 Drop tuning, from the thickest (7th) to the thinnest (1st) string:

• String 7: G#2
• String 6: D#3
• String 5: G#3
• String 4: C#4
• String 3: F#4
• String 2: G#4
• String 1: D#5