Are you a guitarist looking to expand your sonic horizons? 7 string guitar tuning drop a might be the perfect option for you.
Editor’s Note:7 string guitar tuning drop a is an essential technique for guitarists who want to add a deeper, heavier sound to their playing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this guide will help you get started with 7 string guitar tuning drop a.
We’ve done the analysis, dug through the information, and put together this 7 string guitar tuning drop a guide to help you make the right decision. Dive deep into the world of 7 string guitar tuning drop a and learn why so many 7-string guitarists swear by it.
Key Differences:
| Standard Tuning | Drop A Tuning |
|---|---|
| E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4 | A1, E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4 |
Now, let’s dive into the benefits of using 7 string guitar tuning drop a:
- Extended Range: Drop A tuning gives you access to lower notes, expanding your playing range and allowing you to play heavier riffs and chords.
- Thicker, Heavier Sound: The lower tuning creates a thicker, heavier sound that is perfect for metal, hard rock, and other heavy genres.
- Unique Sonic Possibilities: Drop A tuning opens up a world of unique sonic possibilities, allowing you to explore new harmonies and textures.
If you’re ready to take your guitar playing to the next level, 7 string guitar tuning drop a is a must-try. With its extended range, heavier sound, and unique sonic possibilities, drop A tuning can help you create music that is both powerful and expressive.
1. Extended Range
Drop A tuning is a popular choice for guitarists who want to expand their playing range and play heavier riffs and chords. By tuning the low string down to A, you gain access to lower notes that are not available in standard tuning. This can open up new possibilities for your playing, allowing you to create deeper, more powerful sounds.
One of the main benefits of drop A tuning is that it makes it easier to play power chords. Power chords are a type of chord that is played on the lower three strings of the guitar. They are a common feature in many genres of rock and metal music. In drop A tuning, power chords can be played with just two fingers, making them easier to play and allowing you to focus on other aspects of your playing.
Drop A tuning can also be used to play heavier riffs. By using the lower notes available in drop A tuning, you can create riffs that are heavier and more aggressive than those that can be played in standard tuning. This can be a great way to add some extra weight to your music.
Of course, drop A tuning is not without its challenges. One of the main challenges is that it can make it more difficult to play some types of chords. For example, barre chords can be more difficult to play in drop A tuning because the strings are looser and require more pressure to fret. However, with practice, it is possible to overcome these challenges and reap the benefits of drop A tuning.
| Tuning | Low String | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Tuning | E | E2 – e4 |
| Drop A Tuning | A | A1 – e4 |
Overall, drop A tuning is a versatile and powerful tuning that can add a new dimension to your playing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, drop A tuning is worth exploring. With its extended range and heavier sound, drop A tuning can help you take your playing to the next level.
2. Thicker, Heavier Sound
The lower tuning of drop A tuning is what gives it its characteristic thicker, heavier sound. This is because the lower the tuning, the looser the strings are. Looser strings vibrate more slowly, which produces a lower pitch and a thicker, heavier sound.
This thicker, heavier sound is perfect for metal, hard rock, and other heavy genres because it can create a more aggressive and powerful sound. It is also well-suited for playing power chords, which are a common feature in many heavy genres of music.
Here are some examples of how drop A tuning can be used to create a thicker, heavier sound:
- Metallica: Metallica is one of the most famous metal bands in the world, and they have used drop A tuning on many of their songs, including “Enter Sandman” and “Master of Puppets.”
- Slayer: Slayer is another legendary metal band that has used drop A tuning on many of their songs, including “Raining Blood” and “South of Heaven.”
- Slipknot: Slipknot is a more recent metal band that has used drop A tuning on many of their songs, including “Duality” and “Psychosocial.”
These are just a few examples of how drop A tuning can be used to create a thicker, heavier sound. If you are a guitarist who wants to play metal, hard rock, or other heavy genres of music, then drop A tuning is a great option to consider.
| Tuning | Low String | Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Tuning | E | Thinner, brighter |
| Drop A Tuning | A | Thicker, heavier |
3. Unique Sonic Possibilities
Drop A tuning opens up a world of unique sonic possibilities for guitarists. The lower tuning creates a thicker, heavier sound that is perfect for metal, hard rock, and other heavy genres. However, drop A tuning can also be used to create a variety of other sounds, from ambient textures to soaring leads.
- Extended Range: Drop A tuning gives you access to lower notes, expanding your playing range and allowing you to play heavier riffs and chords. This extended range can also be used to create new and interesting harmonies.
- Unique Chord Voicings: The lower tuning of drop A tuning allows you to play different chord voicings than you would in standard tuning. This can lead to new and exciting harmonic possibilities.
- Unusual Scales: The lower tuning of drop A tuning also makes it possible to play unusual scales that are not possible in standard tuning. These scales can add a unique flavor to your playing.
These are just a few of the unique sonic possibilities that drop A tun
ing has to offer. If you are a guitarist who is looking to expand your sonic horizons, then drop A tuning is a great option to consider.
4. Low A String
In drop A tuning, the low E string is tuned down to A, resulting in a deeper, heavier sound. This low A string is the defining characteristic of drop A tuning and gives it its unique sonic qualities.
- Extended Range:
The low A string extends the range of the guitar, allowing guitarists to access lower notes. This expanded range opens up new possibilities for playing riffs, chords, and melodies.
- Heavier Sound:
The lower tuning of the low A string creates a thicker, heavier sound. This heavier sound is perfect for genres such as metal, hard rock, and blues.
- Unique Harmonic Possibilities:
The low A string allows guitarists to play unique harmonic intervals and voicings. These unique harmonic possibilities can add depth and complexity to music.
- Versatility:
Despite its association with heavy genres, drop A tuning is also versatile and can be used in a variety of musical styles. It can add a unique flavor to everything from jazz to country.
Overall, the low A string is a crucial element of drop A tuning. It gives guitarists access to lower notes, creates a heavier sound, and opens up new harmonic possibilities. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, drop A tuning is a great way to expand your sonic horizons.
5. Chords
Drop A tuning makes it easier to play certain chords, such as power chords and barre chords, because the lower tuning reduces the tension on the strings. This makes it easier to fret the strings and create a clear sound.
Power chords are a type of chord that is played on the lower three strings of the guitar. They are a common feature in many genres of rock and metal music. In drop A tuning, power chords can be played with just two fingers, making them easier to play and allowing you to focus on other aspects of your playing.
Barre chords are a type of chord that is played by barring the index finger across multiple strings. This can be a difficult technique to master, but it is essential for playing many songs. In drop A tuning, barre chords are easier to play because the lower tuning reduces the tension on the strings. This makes it easier to fret the strings and create a clear sound.
Here is a table that summarizes the benefits of drop A tuning for playing chords:
| Chord Type | Standard Tuning | Drop A Tuning |
|---|---|---|
| Power chords | More difficult to play | Easier to play |
| Barre chords | More difficult to play | Easier to play |
Overall, drop A tuning can be a great way to make it easier to play chords on the guitar. This can be especially beneficial for beginners or for guitarists who want to play in genres that use a lot of power chords and barre chords.
6. Scales
The lower tuning of drop A tuning makes it easier to play certain scales, such as the minor pentatonic scale, the major scale, and the blues scale. These scales are essential for playing many different genres of music, from rock and metal to blues and country.
The minor pentatonic scale is a five-note scale that is commonly used in rock, metal, and blues music. It is a versatile scale that can be used to play a variety of different licks and riffs. In drop A tuning, the minor pentatonic scale is easier to play because the lower tuning reduces the tension on the strings. This makes it easier to fret the strings and create a clear sound.
The major scale is a seven-note scale that is used in a wide variety of genres of music. It is the most common scale used in Western music. In drop A tuning, the major scale is easier to play because the lower tuning reduces the tension on the strings. This makes it easier to fret the strings and create a clear sound.
The blues scale is a six-note scale that is commonly used in blues and rock music. It has a distinctive sound that is characterized by its use of flatted notes. In drop A tuning, the blues scale is easier to play because the lower tuning reduces the tension on the strings. This makes it easier to fret the strings and create a clear sound.
Overall, drop A tuning can be a great way to make it easier to play scales on the guitar. This can be especially beneficial for beginners or for guitarists who want to play in genres that use a lot of scales.
Here is a table that summarizes the benefits of drop A tuning for playing scales:
| Scale | Standard Tuning | Drop A Tuning |
|---|---|---|
| Minor pentatonic scale | More difficult to play | Easier to play |
| Major scale | More difficult to play | Easier to play |
| Blues scale | More difficult to play | Easier to play |
7. Riffs
Drop A tuning is perfect for playing heavy riffs and chugging rhythms because the lower tuning creates a thicker, heavier sound. This heavier sound is perfect for creating powerful and aggressive riffs that are common in genres such as metal and hard rock. Additionally, the lower tuning makes it easier to play chugging rhythms, which are a staple of many heavy metal and hard rock songs.
Here are some examples of how drop A tuning can be used to create heavy riffs and chugging rhythms:
- Metallica: Metallica is one of the most famous metal bands in the world, and they have used drop A tuning on many of their songs, including “Enter Sandman” and “Master of Puppets.” These songs are known for their heavy riffs and chugging rhythms, which are created in part by the use of drop A tuning.
- Slayer: Slayer is another legendary metal band that has used drop A tuning on many of their songs, including “Raining Blood” and “South of Heaven.” These songs are known for their fast and aggressive riffs, which are created in part by the use of drop A tuning.
- Slipknot: Slipknot is a more recent metal band that has used drop A tuning on many of their songs, including “Duality” and “Psychosocial.” These songs are known for their heavy and powerful riffs, which are created in part by the use of drop A tuning.
These are just a few examples of how drop A tuning can be used to create heavy riffs and chugging rhythms. If you are a guitarist who wants to play metal, hard rock, or other heavy genres of music, then drop A tuning is a great option to consider.
Overall, the connection between “Riffs: Drop A tuning is perfect for playing heavy riffs and chugging rhythms.” and “7 string guitar tuning drop a” is clear. Drop A tuning is a versatile and powerful tuning that can be used to create a variety of heavy and aggressiv
e sounds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, drop A tuning is worth exploring if you want to add some extra weight to your riffs.
| Tuning | Low String | Sound | Riffs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Tuning | E | Thinner, brighter | Lighter, less aggressive |
| Drop A Tuning | A | Thicker, heavier | Heavier, more aggressive |
8. Solos
In the realm of guitar playing, solos hold a special place as expressive and intricate passages that showcase a guitarist’s technical prowess and musicality. Drop A tuning, with its lowered string tension, offers significant advantages for guitarists seeking to elevate their soloing abilities.
- Extended Range: The lower tuning extends the guitar’s range, granting access to higher notes that would otherwise be difficult to reach in standard tuning. This expanded range empowers guitarists to explore new melodic possibilities and create solos that soar to greater heights.
- Reduced String Tension: Drop A tuning reduces the tension on the strings, making them more pliable and easier to bend. This reduced tension allows for effortless string bending, facilitating expressive vibrato and wide intervals that add depth and emotion to solos.
- Improved Fretting Accuracy: The lower string tension also contributes to improved fretting accuracy, especially during rapid passages and intricate fingerings. With less resistance from the strings, guitarists can execute complex solos with greater precision and fluidity.
- Tonal Versatility: Drop A tuning’s lower pitch opens up a wider tonal palette for soloing. Guitarists can tap into darker, heavier tones that lend a brooding intensity to their solos, while also accessing brighter, more shimmering harmonics that add a touch of ethereal beauty.
In essence, drop A tuning empowers guitarists to push the boundaries of their soloing by providing an extended range, reduced string tension, improved fretting accuracy, and tonal versatility. Whether aspiring to shred lightning-fast licks or craft emotionally resonant melodies, drop A tuning unlocks a world of possibilities for guitar soloists.
9. Tuning Stability
In the world of live performances, maintaining guitar tuning stability is paramount to ensure a seamless and captivating show. Drop A tuning offers a significant advantage in this regard, as its lower string tension contributes to its inherent stability.
- Reduced String Tension: Drop A tuning lowers the tension on the strings, reducing the likelihood of them going out of tune due to temperature changes, humidity, or aggressive playing styles. This enhanced stability allows guitarists to focus on their performance without the worry of their guitar losing its intonation.
- Improved Intonation: The lower string tension also promotes improved intonation, ensuring that the notes played on the guitar are accurate and in tune. This is especially important for complex chords and intricate solos, where precise intonation is crucial for a harmonious sound.
- Reliable Performance: The stability of drop A tuning translates into reliable performance during live shows. Guitarists can confidently switch between chords, riffs, and solos without experiencing tuning issues that could disrupt the flow of their performance.
- Reduced Maintenance: The reduced string tension in drop A tuning puts less stress on the guitar’s neck and tuning machines, leading to less frequent maintenance and adjustments. This allows guitarists to spend more time playing and less time fine-tuning their instrument.
In summary, the tuning stability of drop A tuning is a key factor that makes it a suitable choice for live performances. Its reduced string tension contributes to improved intonation, reliable performance, and reduced maintenance, allowing guitarists to deliver captivating and professional-sounding shows.
10. String Tension
In the realm of guitar playing, string tension plays a crucial role in shaping the instrument’s feel, tone, and playing dynamics. Drop A tuning, characterized by its lowered string tension, offers guitarists several advantages in these areas.
- Enhanced Playability: The reduced string tension makes the strings more pliable and easier to press down, facilitating effortless fretting and smooth transitions between chords and notes. This enhanced playability is particularly beneficial for intricate fingerings and rapid passages, allowing guitarists to execute complex techniques with greater precision and fluidity.
- Expressive Bending: The lower string tension allows for more expressive and controlled string bending. Guitarists can achieve wider intervals and vibrato with less effort, adding depth and emotion to their playing. This expressive bending is essential for creating soulful solos, emotive lead lines, and dynamic rhythmic patterns.
- Vibrant Harmonics: The reduced string tension also promotes the production of vibrant harmonics. By lightly touching the strings at specific nodes, guitarists can create shimmering overtones and feedback that add a unique sonic dimension to their playing. This technique is widely used in genres such as ambient music, jazz, and experimental rock.
In summary, the lower string tension in drop A tuning enhances playability, facilitates expressive bending, and promotes vibrant harmonics. These advantages make drop A tuning an attractive option for guitarists seeking to expand their sonic palette and explore new dimensions of guitar playing.
11. Intonation
In the realm of guitar playing, intonation refers to the accuracy of each string’s pitch across the entire fretboard. Proper intonation ensures that every note played on the guitar is in tune with itself and with the other strings, creating a harmonious and cohesive sound.
- Precise Pitch: Drop A tuning, with its lowered string tension, requires precise intonation to maintain accurate pitch throughout the entire range of the guitar. Proper intonation ensures that each fretted note corresponds to its intended pitch, preventing any notes from sounding sharp or flat.
- Balanced Harmonics: Intonation is crucial for achieving balanced harmonics across the strings. When the guitar is properly intonated, the harmonic intervals between the strings, such as octaves and fifths, sound pure and consonant. This balanced harmonic structure is essential for creating rich and harmonious chords.
- Consistent Tone: Proper intonation contributes to a consistent tone and sustain across the fretboard. When each string is intonated correctly, the notes played on it will have an even and consistent volume and sustain, enhanc
ing the overall clarity and resonance of the guitar’s sound. - Enhanced Playability: Accurate intonation improves the overall playability of the guitar. When the strings are properly intonated, fretting notes becomes easier and more precise, allowing guitarists to play with greater accuracy and confidence.
In summary, ensuring proper intonation when using drop A tuning is essential for maintaining accurate pitch, balanced harmonics, consistent tone, and enhanced playability. By taking the time to intonate your guitar correctly, you can unlock the full potential of drop A tuning and achieve a harmonious and expressive sound.
12. 7 String Guitar
In the realm of 7 string guitars, drop A tuning reigns supreme, offering a unique and extended sonic palette for guitarists. This tuning is characterized by lowering the pitch of the lowest string, typically from E to A, resulting in a deeper, heavier sound.
- Extended Range: The extra low B string on a 7 string guitar extends the instrument’s range, allowing guitarists to explore lower notes and create thunderous riffs and deep, atmospheric chords. This expanded range opens up new possibilities for musical expression and experimentation.
- Genre Versatility: Drop A tuning is particularly well-suited for genres such as metal, hard rock, and progressive rock, where its heavier sound and extended range excel. However, it is not confined to these genres; guitarists in various styles can find creative applications for this tuning.
- Technical Proficiency: Playing in drop A tuning requires some technical proficiency, as the lower string tension and wider string spacing can present challenges for some guitarists. With practice and dedication, however, guitarists can master the nuances of drop A tuning and unlock its full potential.
In conclusion, the use of drop A tuning on 7 string guitars is a testament to the instrument’s versatility and the ever-expanding sonic boundaries of guitar playing. Whether seeking to explore the depths of heavy music or simply expand their musical vocabulary, guitarists will find drop A tuning a rewarding and inspiring tuning to master.
Frequently Asked Questions about 7 String Guitar Tuning Drop A
This section addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding 7 string guitar tuning drop A.
Question 1: What are the benefits of using drop A tuning?
Answer: Drop A tuning offers several advantages, including an extended range for accessing lower notes, a heavier sound suitable for genres like metal and hard rock, and unique harmonic possibilities that expand sonic horizons.
Question 2: Is drop A tuning difficult to play?
Answer: While drop A tuning alters the string tension and spacing, it is not inherently more difficult to play than standard tuning. With practice and familiarity, guitarists can adapt to the nuances of drop A tuning and reap its benefits.
Question 3: What genres of music is drop A tuning commonly used in?
Answer: Drop A tuning is predominantly employed in genres such as metal, hard rock, and progressive rock, where its heavier sound and extended range complement the musical style. It is not exclusive to these genres, and guitarists in various styles may find creative applications for drop A tuning.
Question 4: Are 7 string guitars necessary for drop A tuning?
Answer: Drop A tuning is typically used on 7 string guitars due to their extra low B string. While it is possible to achieve a similar tuning on a 6 string guitar by downtuning the low E string, the extended range and tonal characteristics of a 7 string guitar are more suited to drop A tuning.
Question 5: How does drop A tuning affect string tension?
Answer: Drop A tuning lowers the tension on the strings, making them more pliable and easier to bend. This reduced tension enhances playability, facilitates expressive techniques like string bending and vibrato, and promotes the production of vibrant harmonics.
Question 6: What are some tips for getting started with drop A tuning?
Answer: To get started with drop A tuning, ensure your guitar is properly intonated, adjust to the altered string tension and spacing, explore different chord voicings and scales that complement the tuning, and experiment with the extended range and unique harmonic possibilities that drop A tuning offers.
In summary, drop A tuning is a versatile and powerful tuning that offers a range of benefits for guitarists. While it requires some adaptation, the rewards of drop A tuning, such as its extended range, heavier sound, and unique sonic qualities, make it a worthwhile exploration for musicians seeking to expand their musical horizons.
Tips for 7 String Guitar Tuning Drop A
To harness the full potential of 7 string guitar tuning drop A, consider these insightful tips:
Tip 1: Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is essential to master the nuances of drop A tuning. Dedicate time to playing scales, chords, and riffs in this tuning to build muscle memory and improve your technique.
Tip 2: Explore Different Voicings: Drop A tuning opens up new possibilities for chord voicings. Experiment with various fingerings and inversions to discover unique and resonant voicings that complement the lower tuning.
Tip 3: Utilize the Extended Range: Embrace the extended range that drop A tuning provides. Incorporate the low A string into your riffs, chords, and solos to create thunderous low-end and expand your sonic palette.
Tip 4: Experiment with String Bending: The reduced string tension in drop A tuning makes string bending easier and more expressive. Practice bending the strings to create soulful melodies, emotive lead lines, and dynamic rhythmic patterns.
Tip 5: Enhance Your Vibrato: The lower string tension also facilitates expressive vibrato techniques. Experiment with different vibrato speeds and widths to add depth and emotion to your playing.
Tip 6: Explore Harmonic Techniques: Drop A tuning promotes the production of vibrant harmonics. By lightly touching the strings at specific nodes, you can create shimmering overtones and feedback that add a unique sonic dimension to your playing.
Tip 7: Pay Attention to Intonation: Ensure your guitar is properly intonated when using drop A tuning. Accurate intonation ensures that each note played is in tune with itself and with the other strings, creating a harmonious and cohesive sound.
Summary: By incorporating these tips into your practice routine, you can unlock the full potential of 7 string guitar tuning drop A. Embrace the extended range, explore new voicings, experiment with string bending and vibrato, and enhance your harmonic techniques. With dedication and practice, you will master this tuning and expand your musical horizons.
Conclusion
7 string guitar tuning drop a is a versatile and powerful tuning that offers a range of benefits for guitarists. Its extended range, heavier sound, and unique harmonic possibilities make it an attractive option for those seeking to expand their musical horizons.
Whether you’re a beginner exploring the depths of drop A tuning or an experienced player looki
ng to add a new dimension to your playing, this tuning is worth exploring. Embrace the extended range, experiment with new voicings, and unlock the sonic possibilities that drop A tuning has to offer. By incorporating the tips and insights provided in this article, you can harness the full potential of this powerful tuning and elevate your guitar playing to new heights.
