"Survival Tuning" - Unleash the Low End with Muse's Signature Sound

The "Survival Tuning" is a formidable 7-string guitar setup, famously employed by Muse for their anthemic track 'Survival'. This tuning is designed to deliver a massive, resonant low end while retaining the versatility of standard tuning across the higher strings. It's perfect for players looking to explore heavy, driving riffs, powerful rhythmic accompaniment, and expansive sonic textures.

Technical Analysis:

• Instrument Type: 7-String Guitar
• Open String Notes (low to high): G#2 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4
• This tuning features the top six strings (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4) in a familiar standard E tuning. This means that a vast library of existing chord shapes, scales, and lead lines remain directly transferable, making it easy to adapt for players comfortable with standard guitar.
• The defining characteristic is the very low 7th string tuned to G#2. This provides an extended bass range, allowing for incredibly heavy and sustained notes that can underpin dense arrangements or provide impactful single-note riffs.
• The interval between the 7th string (G#2) and the 6th string (E2) is a major 6th. This specific interval, unlike the more common perfect 4th or 5th found in many 7-string tunings, can inspire unique harmonic voicings and riff constructions when incorporating the lowest string.

Open Chords and Harmonic Possibilities:

• Given that strings 6 through 1 are in standard E tuning, all open major and minor chords (E, A, D, G, C, Em, Am, Dm, etc.) and their respective barre chord shapes are readily available and sound exactly as they would in standard tuning.
• The open 7th string (G#2) acts as a powerful root or a strong bass extension. For example, an open E Major chord (using strings 6-1, with the 3rd string fretted at the 4th fret for a B) can be played alongside the open G# string, giving a strong Emaj7#5 (E G# B D#) or Emaj9/G#. The G# functions as the major third of E.
• For heavy riffs, easily accessible power chords can be formed on the lower strings. Playing the open 7th string (G#) along with the 5th string fretted at the 6th fret (D#) provides a robust G#5 power chord. Experimenting with two-finger power chords across the 7th and 6th strings (e.g., G# on 7th, B on 6th at 4th fret) can yield interesting, darker sounds.
• The overall sound of the open strings G#2-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4 is rich and somewhat complex, hinting at an E major tonality with the strong G# root. It's a tuning that encourages experimental playing around its unique lowest interval.

How to Tune: "Survival Tuning"

To achieve the "Survival Tuning" for your 7-string guitar, follow these instructions for each string, starting from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st).

• 7th String (Low G#): Tune this string to G#2. You will need to tune down 3 semitones to reach this note.
• 6th String (E): Tune this string to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A): Tune this string to A2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 4th String (D): Tune this string to D3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G): Tune this string to G3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B): Tune this string to B3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (High E): Tune this string to E4. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Important Note: The tuning adjustment for the 7th string (-3 semitones) is within a safe range, so a different string gauge is not strictly necessary unless you experience issues with tension or intonation. Always tune carefully and check your guitar's neck relief after significant tuning changes.