Monuments 7 String Tuning (9 String Form) Analysis

Verbal Description

This extended-range 9-string tuning is a formidable beast, engineered for the deepest and most impactful sounds. As the name suggests, it adapts the heavy, progressive sound of Monuments to an even wider sonic palette. The overall feel is incredibly dark, crushing, and resonant, perfect for genres like Djent, Progressive Metal, Deathcore, and any style demanding extreme low-end power and intricate, heavy riffing. The tuning allows for massive, wall-of-sound chords and leads, while also providing unique harmonic possibilities for adventurous players.

Technical Analysis & Chord Possibilities

The tuning provides the following open string notes from lowest (9th) to highest (1st): G1# D2# G2# D3# G3# C4# D4# G4# C5#.

This reveals a deliberate construction focused on immense power and harmonic depth:

• Sub-Bass Foundation: The lowest five strings (G1#, D2#, G2#, D3#, G3#) create an incredibly thick G#5 power chord across multiple octaves. This provides an unparalleled low-end resonance, making open G# power chords sound colossal and giving a strong anchor for palm-muted riffs.
• Intervallic Structure:
  • Strings 9-5: Predominantly Perfect 5ths and Octaves (G#-D#-G#-D#-G#) for a massive, resonant power chord voicing.
  • String 5 (G3#) to String 4 (C4#): A Perfect 4th.
  • String 4 (C4#) to String 3 (D4#): A Major 2nd.
  • String 3 (D4#) to String 2 (G4#): A Perfect 4th.
  • String 2 (G4#) to String 1 (C5#): A Perfect 4th.
• Open Chords & Voicings:
  • An open G#5 power chord can be played across strings 9, 8, 7, 6, and 5 (G1#-D2#-G2#-D3#-G3#), offering an incredibly full and resonant low-end.
  • The higher strings (4, 2, 1) spell out C#4 G#4 C#5, forming an open C#5 power chord, which can be easily utilized for higher-register power chords or melodies.
  • The D4# on string 3, nestled between C#4 and G4#, offers interesting melodic possibilities, creating a tension (major 2nd against C#) that can be exploited for dissonance or used as a passing tone. This also means standard C# power chord shapes can be easily adapted by muting or fretting string 3.
  • The blend of open G# power chord structures in the low end and the C#-based intervals higher up allows for complex, dissonant chords or tight, melodic lines that can leverage the open string resonance.

How to Tune (from Standard 9-String)

To achieve the Monuments 7 String Tuning (9 String Form), follow these specific adjustments for each string. Note: Significant changes in string tension (tuning down 4 semitones or more) may require a different string gauge for optimal performance and to prevent string breakage or poor intonation.

• String 9: Tune down 5 semitones to G1#. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant adjustment; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal performance and tension.
• String 8: Tune down 3 semitones to D2#.
• String 7: Tune down 3 semitones to G2#.
• String 6: Tune down 1 semitone to D3#.
• String 5: Tune down 1 semitone to G3#.
• String 4: Tune down 1 semitone to C4#.
• String 3: Tune down 4 semitones to D4#. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; consider a different gauge string for optimal performance and tension.
• String 2: Tune down 3 semitones to G4#.
• String 1: Tune down 3 semitones to C5#.

String 9: G1#

String 8: D2#

String 7: G2#

String 6: D3#

String 5: G3#

String 4: C4#

String 3: D4#

String 2: G4#

String 1: C5#