The "Grand Octave Drop" is an incredibly deep and expansive tuning for a 7-string guitar, designed to push the boundaries of the instrument's lower register. It transforms a standard 7-string into a resonant behemoth, with the lowest three strings dropped by significant amounts, creating a profound, almost orchestral foundation. The tuning features dramatic interval jumps, particularly between the 5th and 4th strings, which opens up possibilities for massive, wide-voiced chords and arpeggios that would be impossible in standard tuning. It's a tuning that begs for slow, sustained notes and powerful, droning textures, lending itself well to heavy, ambient, or progressive styles where a deep, resonant soundscape is desired. The original name "СимфонИ" (Symphony) perfectly captures the potential for rich, layered sound this tuning offers.

Technical Analysis

This 7-string tuning, set at G#1-E1-A1-C3-F3-B3-E4, features a remarkably wide tonal range, extending from a very low G#1 up to a bright E4. Key characteristics include:

• Deep Bass Foundation: The lowest three strings (G#1, E1, A1) are tuned to extremely low registers, two of which are a full octave below their standard 7-string counterparts. This creates a dense, powerful low-end, ideal for drone notes, heavy riffs, or layered harmonic backdrops.
• Striking Intervals:
  • The interval between the 7th string (G#1) and 6th string (E1) is a diminished 5th (6 semitones), providing a distinct, somewhat dark resonance when played open.
  • The most prominent feature is the vast 15-semitone jump (a minor third plus two octaves) between the 5th string (A1) and the 4th string (C3). This immense gap will lend itself to exceptionally open and spacious chord voicings and arpeggios.
  • The upper strings (C3-F3-B3-E4) feature a sequence of a perfect fourth, an augmented fourth (tritone), and another perfect fourth, offering a blend of traditional and tension-filled harmonic possibilities.
• Open Chord Voicings:
  • An A minor quality can be easily achieved with the open strings A1 (5th string), C3 (4th string), and E4 (1st string), with E1 (6th string) providing an additional fifth. The G#1 on the lowest string can function as a strong leading tone to A, or imply other modes.
  • An E minor/Phrygian Dominant feel is also present, with E1 (6th string), B3 (2nd string), and E4 (1st string) forming an E octave, and the G#1 on the 7th string suggesting an E Phrygian Dominant scale (E F G# A B C D E).
  • The overall openness of the tuning, especially the A1-C3 jump, promotes wide-voiced chords, perfect for lush, sustained arpeggios or ambient soundscapes.

How to Tune (from Standard 7-String B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4)

To achieve the "Grand Octave Drop" tuning, adjust your 7-string guitar from its standard B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4 tuning as follows. Please take note of the significant drops in the lower strings; heavier gauge strings are strongly recommended for optimal tension and tone.

• 7th String (Lowest B String): Tune down 5 semitones from B1 to G#1. Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change; a different gauge string is advised for best performance and string longevity.
• 6th String (E String): Tune down 12 semitones from E2 to E1. Warning: Tuning down a full octave is a significant change; a different gauge string is advised for best performance and string longevity.
• 5th String (A String): Tune down 12 semitones from A2 to A1. Warning: Tuning down a full octave is a significant change; a different gauge string is advised for best performance and string longevity.
• 4th String (D String): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• 3rd String (G String): Tune down 2 semitones from G3 to F3.
• 2nd String (B String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3 to B3.
• 1st String (Highest E String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4 to E4.

7th String (Lowest): G#1 (G sharp in the 1st octave)
6th String: E1 (E in the 1st octave)
5th String: A1 (A in the 1st octave)
4th String: C3 (C in the 3rd octave)
3rd String: F3 (F in the 3rd octave)
2nd String: B3 (B in the 3rd octave)
1st String (Highest): E4 (E in the 4th octave)