Unusual Tuning Question

Eimanatox · 08-02-2012, 12:45 AM

Hello all! I am fairly new to this forum, I've been lurking for a while, but haven't posted yet. Anyway, I have been playing a 7 string now for about a year or so, after having played 6 strings for 10+ years. I currently play in a band with another 6 string guitarist. He uses a 6 string, tuned to Drop A#. I want to use my 7 string, but I'm looking for another alternative to just tuning it up half a step into A#. I was thinking of tuning the 1st 6 to A#, then having a low G or perhaps an F on the bottom end. I was wondering if anyone here could give me some good advice for a tuning to use to complement his A# tuning. Also, I would like some input on string gauge choices for such a low tuning. Any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

kowoolo · 08-02-2012, 12:39 PM

You might try to use a low F, that would be something like a double drop tuning (F A# F A# D# G C). This would require a massive string and might probably lead to intonation issues, depending on the scale of your 7string guitar.
I once tuned my RG7321 (25.5 scale) to F standard with a GHS .090 string for the low F and could'nt get the intonation right without further modification... Tone and tension weren't perfect either, but it was manageable if you didn't play higher than 12th fret.

EtherealEntity · 08-02-2012, 12:56 PM

^ Yep that's my only suggestion if you want to try this.
I have great experience with Circle K strings. I was able to get an 86 intonated at F# on 25.5", and an 166 intonated at F# on 35" - contrary to my experience with D'addario strings which wouldn't intonate a 70 or a 145 despite being significantly smaller gauge.
Circle K are also cheap as hell compared, if you are looking for custom gauges or thick singles. Otherwise, a D'addario 80 might do you.

Eimanatox · 08-03-2012, 07:56 AM

Thank you both, I am using a RG7321, and I'm probably gonna go with a G. (just for the sake of intonation issues.)

breadtruck · 08-06-2012, 10:05 AM

If you do tune the lowest string to G, I think the band Structures use that tuning too (low to high, G, A#, F, A#, D#, G, C)

It's not a very conventional tuning but they seem to write some pretty interesting riffs, so maybe give that a go?

knuckle_head · 08-08-2012, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eimanatox

Hello all! I am fairly new to this forum, I've been lurking for a while, but haven't posted yet. Anyway, I have been playing a 7 string now for about a year or so, after having played 6 strings for 10+ years. I currently play in a band with another 6 string guitarist. He uses a 6 string, tuned to Drop A#. I want to use my 7 string, but I'm looking for another alternative to just tuning it up half a step into A#. I was thinking of tuning the 1st 6 to A#, then having a low G or perhaps an F on the bottom end. I was wondering if anyone here could give me some good advice for a tuning to use to complement his A# tuning. Also, I would like some input on string gauge choices for such a low tuning. Any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

F or D#/Eb below - gauge is dependent on your scale length and what you use now that is working.

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08-02-2012, 12:45 AM	#1
Eimanatox ss.org Regular Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 39 Thanked: 2 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Unusual Tuning Question Hello all! I am fairly new to this forum, I've been lurking for a while, but haven't posted yet. Anyway, I have been playing a 7 string now for about a year or so, after having played 6 strings for 10+ years. I currently play in a band with another 6 string guitarist. He uses a 6 string, tuned to Drop A#. I want to use my 7 string, but I'm looking for another alternative to just tuning it up half a step into A#. I was thinking of tuning the 1st 6 to A#, then having a low G or perhaps an F on the bottom end. I was wondering if anyone here could give me some good advice for a tuning to use to complement his A# tuning. Also, I would like some input on string gauge choices for such a low tuning. Any help or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

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08-02-2012, 12:39 PM	#2
kowoolo ss.org Regular Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Germany Posts: 52 Thanked: 30 / 1 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	You might try to use a low F, that would be something like a double drop tuning (F A# F A# D# G C). This would require a massive string and might probably lead to intonation issues, depending on the scale of your 7string guitar. I once tuned my RG7321 (25.5 scale) to F standard with a GHS .090 string for the low F and could'nt get the intonation right without further modification... Tone and tension weren't perfect either, but it was manageable if you didn't play higher than 12th fret.

08-02-2012, 12:56 PM	#3
EtherealEntity Tom Winspear Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex, U.K Posts: 8,359 Thanked: 77 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	^ Yep that's my only suggestion if you want to try this. I have great experience with Circle K strings. I was able to get an 86 intonated at F# on 25.5", and an 166 intonated at F# on 35" - contrary to my experience with D'addario strings which wouldn't intonate a 70 or a 145 despite being significantly smaller gauge. Circle K are also cheap as hell compared, if you are looking for custom gauges or thick singles. Otherwise, a D'addario 80 might do you.

08-03-2012, 07:56 AM	#4
Eimanatox ss.org Regular Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 39 Thanked: 2 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thank you both, I am using a RG7321, and I'm probably gonna go with a G. (just for the sake of intonation issues.)

08-06-2012, 10:05 AM	#5
breadtruck SS.org Regular Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: England Posts: 198 Thanked: 2 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	If you do tune the lowest string to G, I think the band Structures use that tuning too (low to high, G, A#, F, A#, D#, G, C) It's not a very conventional tuning but they seem to write some pretty interesting riffs, so maybe give that a go?