The Depths of G# Minor: A Heavy and Atmospheric Tuning

This distinctive tuning, directly named "Karnivool + Sevendust Tuning" from its creator's description, is a deeply resonant and heavy modification of standard guitar tuning. It's meticulously crafted for impactful, atmospheric soundscapes, drawing inspiration from the acclaimed BF#BGBE Karnivool tuning but further dropped by 1 1/2 steps to establish a formidable G# base. The creator also mentions a "DADGAD variation on the top similar to 7D," suggesting an open, resonant quality despite its significantly low register.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to G#2 D#3 G#3 E3 F#4 B3. This configuration immediately sets a powerful G# minor tonality. The lowest three strings (G#2, D#3, G#3) form a solid G#5 power chord, providing an incredibly dark and heavy foundation. Above this, the E3, F#4, and B3 strings introduce significant harmonic complexity:

• 6th String (G#2): The foundational root note, delivering deep resonance.
• 5th String (D#3): A perfect fifth above the root, robustly reinforcing the power chord.
• 4th String (G#3): An octave above the root, completing the heavy G# core.
• 3rd String (E3): A major sixth above the root G#, adding a sophisticated and slightly melancholic color.
• 2nd String (F#4): A major seventh above the root G#, contributing to a rich, minor 7th flavor.
• 1st String (B3): A minor third above the root G#, firmly establishing the overall minor character.

Collectively, the unique notes available across the open strings are G#, B, D#, E, F#. This can be interpreted as a G# minor 7th chord with an added major 6th (G#m7(add6)). This makes the tuning exceptionally versatile for crafting rich, dark minor harmonies and powerful, open-string riffs, perfect for the heavy, atmospheric styles found in progressive metal and hard rock.

Open Chords & Reachable Voicings:

• Open G#m7(add6): Strumming all open strings produces a full, resonant G# minor 7th chord with an added 6th, ideal for expansive, dark soundscapes.
• Power Chords: The root-fifth-octave pattern on the lower strings allows for incredibly easy and powerful power chords. A simple single-finger barre across the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings will yield G#5, A5 (1st fret), B5 (3rd fret), and so on.
• Drop Voicings: This tuning facilitates common heavy riffs (prevalent in metal and hard rock) by allowing the player to barre the lower strings for the fundamental and add fingers on the higher strings for melodic or harmonic embellishments.
• Drone Effects: The open G# notes on both the 6th and 4th strings create excellent opportunities for drone effects, building tension or stability beneath moving melodies on the upper strings.
• Melodic Exploration: The distinctive intervals on the higher strings (E3, F#4, B3) invite experimental melodic lines and interesting harmonic textures when played against the solid G# base.

How to Tune:

To achieve this "Karnivool + Sevendust" tuning from standard EADGBe, carefully follow these precise string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 8 semitones to G#2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 6 semitones to D#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 6 semitones to G#3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 5 semitones to F#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 5 semitones to B3.

Important Note on String Gauge: Please exercise extreme caution when tuning. Most strings in this tuning are significantly dropped (more than 4 semitones). For optimal tone, intonation, and to prevent potential string breakage or damage to your guitar, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge set of strings specifically designed for lower tunings. Tuning down 5, 6, or even 8 semitones with standard gauge strings will result in very loose, flappy strings, poor playability, and intonation issues.

6th String: G#2

5th String: D#3

4th String: G#3

3rd String: E3

2nd String: F#4

1st String: B3