This unique 7-string guitar tuning, originally named "Ab Eb Ab Eb Ab Bb tuning" and notably utilized by David Maxim Micic in his albums since the Bilo EP, is a masterclass in modern heavy guitar sound design. It offers a powerful, resonant foundation with a distinctive upper-register voice.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, this tuning provides an incredibly heavy and expansive G# power chord across its lower five strings. The open notes G#2 D#3 G#3 D#4 G#4 create a massive, deep sound perfect for djent, progressive metal, and modern rock. The consistent fifths and octaves make it easy to play power chords and riffs across multiple strings with minimal fretwork, allowing for rapid chord changes and open-string chugging. The most distinctive feature, however, lies in the top two strings, both tuned to A#4. This unison creates a resonant, almost siren-like drone or a leading tone effect against the G# power chord, adding a unique harmonic tension and brightness that cuts through the mix. It's a tuning designed for complex, thick harmonies and intricate melodic lines that stand out.

This tuning inherently facilitates powerful open voicings. An open G#5 power chord is instantly available by striking the bottom five strings. The doubled A# on the top two strings can be used as a bright drone, an extension (G#add9/sus2 without the 3rd, or G#maj9), or as the basis for a secondary melodic idea. Its construction allows for easy one or two-finger power chords along the lower strings. The presence of the A# (a major second above G#) creates opportunities for highly resonant G#sus2 voicings or a dominant sound if paired with a B# (C natural). Players can achieve massive, low-end riffs with open strings while simultaneously exploring interesting, higher-register melodic and harmonic ideas on the A# strings, making it versatile for both rhythm and lead playing.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: 7-String Guitar. This allows for the extended low range down to G#2, essential for the tuning's characteristic heaviness.
• Open Notes: The tuning is G#2 D#3 G#3 D#4 G#4 A#4 A#4.
• Root and Fifth Structure: The bottom five strings form a layered G# power chord (G#-D#-G#-D#-G#) across octaves. Specifically:
  • String 7: G#2 (Root)
  • String 6: D#3 (Perfect Fifth)
  • String 5: G#3 (Octave Root)
  • String 4: D#4 (Octave Fifth)
  • String 3: G#4 (Double Octave Root)
• Upper Register Unison: Strings 2 and 1 are both tuned to A#4. This unison provides a distinct, bright, and often dissonant or resonant element that can function as a drone, an extended chord tone (e.g., a major 9th over G#), or a melodic voice.
• Harmonic Implications: The open strings G# D# G# D# G# A# A# suggest a G#sus2 sound (G#-A#-D#) with a doubled 5th and 9th, creating a rich, open, and modern harmonic palette. The absence of a major or minor third provides a sense of ambiguity and power.

How to Tune

To achieve the "G# Octave A# Drone" tuning, follow these precise string adjustments from standard 7-string tuning (typically B-E-A-D-G-B-E, low to high):

• String 7 (Low String): Tune to G#2. Tune down 3 semitones. While this is within the typical range for string tension, a slightly heavier gauge might be considered for optimal feel and intonation due to the significant drop.
• String 6: Tune to D#3. Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 5: Tune to G#3. Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 4: Tune to D#4. Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 3: Tune to G#4. Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 2: Tune to A#4. Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 1 (High String): Tune to A#4. Tune down 6 semitones. For this significant drop, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string to maintain adequate tension, intonation, and playability. The standard high E string will likely feel very slack and potentially buzz at this low pitch.

String 7: G#2 (Low G#) - The lowest note, providing a deep, guttural foundation for heavy riffs.

String 6: D#3 (Low D#) - The perfect fifth to the root G#, creating a powerful low-end resonance.

String 5: G#3 (Mid G#) - An octave above the lowest string, reinforcing the root and adding body.

String 4: D#4 (Mid D#) - An octave above the 6th string, further thickening the perfect fifth of the tuning.

String 3: G#4 (High G#) - The highest root note, completing the layered G# power chord structure.

String 2: A#4 (High A#) - Introduces a distinct major second or '9th' relative to G#, adding brightness and tension.

String 1: A#4 (High A# Unison) - A unison with the 2nd string, creating a resonant drone or a powerful melodic voice in the upper register.