Overview

This powerful 7-string guitar tuning, famously utilized in the song "Indifferent" by Destiny Potato, plunges the instrument into the depths, providing a rich, guttural foundation perfect for modern metal, progressive rock, and djent styles. Its defining characteristic is the very low G# root, creating an immense sonic landscape that resonates with aggression and power.

Technical Analysis

The tuning for this 7-string guitar is G#2, D#3, G#3, D#4, G#4, A#4, D#5 (from the lowest string to the highest). Let's break down the intervallic structure and its implications:

• Strings 7-3 (G#2, D#3, G#3, D#4, G#4): These five lowest strings are tuned in a consistent pattern of perfect fourths (G#-D#, D#-G#, G#-D#, D#-G#). This structure creates an open G#5 power chord across these strings, making it incredibly easy to play massive, low-end riffs and power chords simply by barring a single fret.
• String 3 (G#4) to String 2 (A#4): This interval is a Major 2nd (2 semitones). This unique break from the perfect fourth pattern on the lower strings introduces a tension or a leading tone (the 9th of G#) that can be exploited for distinctive melodic and harmonic ideas.
• String 2 (A#4) to String 1 (D#5): This interval returns to a Perfect 4th (5 semitones), providing a familiar relationship on the highest strings.

The open strings effectively form a rich G#5(add9) chord (G# D# G# D# G# A# D#), providing a full, resonant sound without fretting. The repetitive perfect fourths on the lower strings facilitate quick and heavy riffing, ideal for chugging and palm-muted passages. The irregular interval on the second string, however, means that standard chord shapes will need adjustment for the top two strings, but it also opens up unique voicings and dissonances, offering creative possibilities for lead lines and chord extensions. Guitarists will find this tuning excellent for deep, guttural rhythms, intricate heavy lead work, and achieving a dense, modern metal sound.

How to Tune

To achieve the Indifferent Drop G# tuning from a standard 7-string tuning (B2 E3 A3 D4 G4 B4 E5), follow these instructions carefully. Please be mindful of the tension changes, especially for the lowest string.

• String 7 (Low B): To reach G#2, Tune down 3 semitones from B2. Exercise caution due to the significant tension drop. A heavier gauge string may be advisable for optimal performance and to prevent excessive slack or buzzing.
• String 6 (E): To reach D#3, Tune down 1 semitone from E3.
• String 5 (A): To reach G#3, Tune down 1 semitone from A3.
• String 4 (D): To reach D#4, Tune up 1 semitone from D4.
• String 3 (G): To reach G#4, Tune up 1 semitone from G4.
• String 2 (B): To reach A#4, Tune down 1 semitone from B4.
• String 1 (High E): To reach D#5, Tune down 1 semitone from E5.

String 7: G2# (Lowest String)

String 6: D3#

String 5: G3#

String 4: D4#

String 3: G4#

String 2: A4#

String 1: D5# (Highest String)