This is an incredibly deep and highly unconventional 9-string guitar tuning, specified as "Monuments Second 7 String Tuning (9 String Form)" in its original context. It's tailored for the extreme low-end and intricate rhythmic complexity characteristic of progressive metal and djent music. As the original description hints, it's one of several specialized tunings employed by the band Monuments, designed to push the boundaries of guitar sonics.

The tuning defies traditional linear string progression, featuring interleaved pitches that create a unique sonic palette ideal for massive, percussive riffs, dissonant textures, and complex, articulate lines. It demands a player comfortable with highly specific voicings and a departure from standard chord shapes, offering immense power and a distinct, modern metal sound.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: 9-string Guitar
• Open Notes (from lowest to highest string): G#1, F1, G#2, F2, A#3, D#4, F3, A#4, D#5.
• Interleaved Pitch Structure: A defining characteristic of this tuning is its non-monotonic pitch arrangement. Notably:
  • The 8th string (F1) is a minor second *lower* than the 9th string (G#1).
  • The 6th string (F2) is a minor second *lower* than the 7th string (G#2).
  • The 3rd string (F3) is a major third *lower* than the 4th string (D#4).
  This creates unique tension, release, and voicing possibilities that are impossible in standard sequential tunings.
• Key Intervals Between Adjacent Strings:
  • String 9 (G#1) to String 8 (F1): Down a minor 2nd (or up a major 7th). This is an extremely tight, dissonant interval in the lowest register, providing a thick, growling foundation.
  • String 8 (F1) to String 7 (G#2): Up a minor 10th (octave + minor 3rd).
  • String 7 (G#2) to String 6 (F2): Down a minor 2nd (or up a major 7th). Another tight, dissonant interval, mirroring the lowest pair.
  • String 6 (F2) to String 5 (A#3): Up a perfect 4th.
  • String 5 (A#3) to String 4 (D#4): Up a perfect 4th.
  • String 4 (D#4) to String 3 (F3): Down a major 3rd. This significant drop adds to the tuning's unique fingerboard geometry.
  • String 3 (F3) to String 2 (A#4): Up a major 6th.
  • String 2 (A#4) to String 1 (D#5): Up a perfect 4th.
• Harmonic Foundation: The tuning is built around strong presences of F, G#, A#, and D#. These notes, especially F and G#, form the core of the extreme low end, while A# and D# provide a foundation for higher melodic and chordal patterns.

Open Chords and Voicings

• The interleaved minor 2nd intervals between (G#1, F1) and (G#2, F2) are not designed for traditional open chords. Instead, they produce extreme low-end dissonance when strummed together, perfect for unsettling drones, percussive chugs, and heavy, atmospheric soundscapes.
• On the higher strings, the perfect fourth relationships are more forgiving for power chords. For example, strings 5, 4, 2, 1 (A#3, D#4, A#4, D#5) form a powerful open voicing that resembles an A#sus4 or A#5 chord (A#, D#, A#, D#), easily achievable by barring. This provides a strong, modern-sounding chordal base.
• Due to the non-linear string order, players will need to develop specific fingerings for power chords that span the lower strings, utilizing the F and G# notes as root or pedal tones for heavy riffs. The tuning facilitates complex, wide-interval voicings and single-string melodicism rather than conventional guitar chord shapes.

Here are the notes for each string of this Monuments 9-string tuning:

String 9: G#1. This is the lowest string on the instrument, delivering an incredibly deep, growling fundamental tone.

String 8: F1. Tuned a minor second below the 9th string, this note provides an even more extreme low-end resonance, creating a uniquely thick and dissonant foundation when played with the G#1.

String 7: G#2. An octave higher than the 9th string G#1, this note reinforces the primary low G# presence within the tuning.

String 6: F2. An octave higher than the 8th string F1, contributing to the strong and consistent F presence across the tuning.

String 5: A#3. A clear, middle-range anchor point, providing a balanced tone for melodic and chordal structures.

String 4: D#4. Tuned a perfect fourth above the 5th string A#3, this note establishes a familiar interval relationship, common for power chord voicings.

String 3: F3. Unconventionally, this string is tuned a major third lower than the 4th string D#4, offering distinct voicing possibilities and requiring specific fingering approaches.

String 2: A#4. An octave higher than the 5th string A#3, reinforcing this crucial pitch within the tuning's higher register.

String 1: D#5. The highest string, an octave above the 4th string D#4, maintaining the perfect fourth interval relationship and providing bright, cutting tones.

How to Tune

To achieve the Monuments 9-String Low G#F Interleaved Tuning, follow these string movements:

• String 9 (G#1): Tune down 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension, tone, and to prevent string floppiness.
• String 8 (F1): Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 7 (G#2): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 6 (F2): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 5 (A#3): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 4 (D#4): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 3 (F3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 2 (A#4): Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 1 (D#5): Tune down 1 semitone.