Ever wonder what gives Korn its signature sound? It’s all in the tuning!
Editor’s Note:Korn 7 string guitar tuning is a unique and innovative approach to guitar playing that has helped define the band’s sound. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of this tuning and provide you with all the information you need to get started.
After analyzing various sources and digging deep into the topic of Korn’s distinct sound, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you understand and implement the 7-string guitar tuning used by the band.
Key Differences:
| Standard Tuning | Korn 7-String Tuning |
|---|---|
| 6 strings | 7 strings |
| Tuned to E, A, D, G, B, E | Tuned to A, D, G, C, F, A, D |
Main Article Topics:
- The benefits of using Korn 7-string guitar tuning
- How to tune your guitar to Korn 7-string tuning
- Tips for playing in Korn 7-string tuning
- Songs that use Korn 7-string guitar tuning
1. Extended range
Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning is unique in that it features a 7th string tuned to A, which is a whole step lower than the 6th string on a standard guitar. This extended range gives Korn’s guitars a much heavier and more powerful sound, which is perfect for their signature nu-metal style.
- Low-end power: The lower tuning of the 7th string allows Korn’s guitars to produce a much heavier and more powerful sound, which is perfect for their aggressive style of music.
- Versatility: The extended range of the 7th string also gives Korn’s guitars more versatility, allowing them to play a wider variety of notes and chords. This versatility is evident in Korn’s music, which often features complex and intricate guitar parts.
Overall, the extended range of Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning is a major part of their signature sound. It gives their guitars a heavier and more powerful sound, and it also allows them to play a wider variety of notes and chords. This versatility makes Korn’s guitars perfect for their aggressive style of music.
2. Heavier sound
Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning is crucial to their signature sound, and the lower tuning of the 7th string is a major factor in creating their heavy sound. The lower tuning creates a thicker, heavier sound that is perfect for their aggressive style of music.
- Low-end power: The lower tuning of the 7th string gives Korn’s guitars a much heavier and more powerful sound, which is perfect for their aggressive style of music.
- Chugging riffs: The lower tuning also makes it easier to play chugging riffs, which are a staple of nu-metal music.
- Distinctive sound: The lower tuning of the 7th string is a major part of Korn’s signature sound, and it has been imitated by many other bands in the genre.
Overall, the lower tuning of the 7th string in Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning is a major factor in creating their heavy sound. It gives their guitars a thicker, heavier sound that is perfect for their aggressive style of music.
3. Unique voicings
Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning allows for a wider range of notes and chords than a standard 6-string guitar, and this extended range opens up new possibilities for creating unique and innovative voicings. One of the most notable advantages of the 7th string is that it allows for the creation of extended chords, which are chords that contain more than 3 notes. These extended chords can add a richer and more complex sound to your music.
In addition to extended chords, the 7th string also allows for the creation of new and unusual chord voicings. For example, you can use the 7th string to create voicings that are based on intervals other than thirds, such as fourths or fifths. These unusual voicings can add a sense of tension and dissonance to your music, or they can simply be used to create a more interesting and unique sound.
Korn’s use of the 7th string is a major part of their signature sound, and it has been imitated by many other bands in the nu-metal genre. Some of the most famous Korn songs that feature the 7th string include “Falling Away from Me,” “Freak on a Leash,” and “Got the Life.” These songs showcase the unique and innovative ways that Korn uses the 7th string to create their signature sound.
| Standard Tuning | Korn 7-String Tuning |
|---|---|
| C Major: 032010 | C Major: 032010x |
| G Major: 320003 | G Major: 320003x |
| D Major: xx0232 | D Major: xx0232x |
| A Minor: 002210 | A Minor: 002210x |
| E Minor: 022000 | E Minor: 022000x |
4. Distinctive sound
Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning is a major part of their signature sound. It gives their guitars a heavier and more powerful sound, and it also allows them to play a wider variety of notes and chords. This unique sound has been imitated by many other bands in the nu-metal genre, and it has helped to define the sound of the genre.
- Extended range: The 7th string extends the guitar’s range by a whole step, allowing for more low-end power and versatility. This extended range gives Korn’s guitars a much heavier and more powerful sound, which is perfect for their aggressive style of music.
- Heavier sound: The lower tuning of the 7th string creates a thicker, heavier sound that is perfect for Korn’s signature nu-metal style. This lower tuning makes it easier to play chugging riffs, which are a staple of nu-metal music.
- Unique voicings: The 7th string allows for new and unique chord voicings and harmonies that are not possible on a standard 6-string guitar. These unique voicings add a sense of tension and dissonance to Korn’s music, and they help to create their signature sound.
- Influence: Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning has been a major influence on other nu-metal bands, and it has helped to shape the sound of the genre. Many other bands have imitated Korn’s unique sound, and the 7-string guitar tuning has become a staple of nu-metal music.
Overall, Korn’s 7
-string guitar tuning is a major part of their signature sound. It gives their guitars a heavier and more powerful sound, and it also allows them to play a wider variety of notes and chords. This unique sound has been imitated by many other bands in the nu-metal genre, and it has helped to define the sound of the genre.
5. Technical challenges
Playing in Korn’s 7-string tuning requires a high level of technical skill due to the wider string spacing and lower tension. This can make it more difficult to play cleanly, especially for beginners. However, with practice and dedication, it is possible to overcome these challenges and master the 7-string guitar.
- Wider string spacing: The wider string spacing on a 7-string guitar can make it more difficult to fret the strings accurately, especially for players with smaller hands. This can lead to fretting out notes or playing notes that are out of tune.
- Lower tension: The lower tension on the 7th string can make it more difficult to control the string and prevent it from buzzing. This can be especially challenging for players who are used to playing on a standard 6-string guitar.
- Fretting technique: Playing in Korn’s 7-string tuning requires a different fretting technique than playing on a standard 6-string guitar. This is because the wider string spacing and lower tension make it more difficult to use the traditional “barre” technique. Instead, players must use a more precise “fingerstyle” technique.
- Picking technique: The lower tension on the 7th string can also make it more difficult to pick the string cleanly. This is because the string is more likely to vibrate and move around, which can make it difficult to hit the string accurately.
Despite the technical challenges, playing in Korn’s 7-string tuning can be a rewarding experience. It can open up new possibilities for creativity and expression, and it can help players to develop their technical skills. With practice and dedication, anyone can master the 7-string guitar and play in Korn’s signature tuning.
6. Versatility
Korn’s 7-string tuning is not only versatile but also transcends the boundaries of heavy music, proving its adaptability to various genres. Its extended range and unique voicings allow musicians to explore diverse musical expressions.
The lower tuning of the 7th string adds depth and heaviness to rock music, enhancing the impact of power chords and riffs. This versatility is evident in bands like Tool and Deftones, who have incorporated Korn’s 7-string tuning into their own distinct styles of rock.
In the realm of blues, the 7th string’s extended range provides a wider tonal palette. Blues guitarists can access lower notes and create richer, more resonant solos. Notable blues musicians like Joe Bonamassa and Kenny Wayne Shepherd have experimented with Korn’s tuning, bringing a fresh perspective to the genre.
Jazz guitarists have also embraced the possibilities offered by Korn’s 7-string tuning. The extended range and unique voicings allow for complex chord progressions and improvisational exploration. Jazz musicians like Pat Metheny and John Scofield have incorporated the 7-string tuning into their playing, expanding the harmonic and melodic possibilities of jazz.
In summary, Korn’s 7-string tuning is a versatile tool that transcends the confines of heavy music. Its extended range and unique voicings provide musicians with a wider palette for sonic exploration, making it suitable for a diverse range of genres, from rock and blues to jazz.
| Genre | Benefits of Korn’s 7-String Tuning | Notable Musicians |
|---|---|---|
| Rock | Enhanced power chords, heavier riffs | Tool, Deftones |
| Blues | Wider tonal palette, richer solos | Joe Bonamassa, Kenny Wayne Shepherd |
| Jazz | Complex chord progressions, improvisational exploration | Pat Metheny, John Scofield |
7. Innovation
Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning is a testament to their innovative spirit and their willingness to push the boundaries of guitar playing. This tuning has had a major impact on the sound of nu-metal and has inspired many other bands to experiment with extended range guitars.
Korn’s 7-string tuning gives their guitars a heavier and more powerful sound, which is perfect for their aggressive style of music. The lower tuning also makes it easier to play chugging riffs, which are a staple of nu-metal music. In addition, the 7th string gives Korn’s guitars a wider range of notes and chords, which allows them to create more complex and interesting music.
Korn’s 7-string tuning has had a major impact on the sound of nu-metal. Many other bands have adopted this tuning, and it has become a staple of the genre. Korn’s innovative spirit has helped to push the boundaries of guitar playing, and their 7-string tuning is a major part of their signature sound.
| Band | Album | Year | Korn’s 7-String Tuning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korn | Follow the Leader | 1998 | Yes |
| Deftones | Around the Fur | 1997 | Yes |
| Limp Bizkit | Significant Other | 1999 | Yes |
| Slipknot | Slipknot | 1999 | Yes |
| Mudvayne | L.D. 50 | 2000 | Yes |
8. Influence
Korn’s innovative use of the 7-string guitar tuning has had a profound impact on the development of nu-metal as a genre. The lower tuning and extended range of the 7th string gives Korn’s guitars a heavier and more powerful sound, which is perfect for the aggressive style of music that nu-metal bands play.
In addition to the heavier sound, the 7th string also gives Korn’s guitars a wider range of notes and chords to work with. This allows them to create more complex and interesting music, which has helped to define the sound of nu-metal.
Many other nu-metal bands have adopted Korn’s 7-string tuning, and it has become a staple of the genre. Bands like Deftones, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot, and Mudvayne all use the 7-string tuning, and their music would not be the same without it.
| Band | Album | Year | Korn’s 7-String Tuning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korn | Follow the Leader | 1998 | Yes |
| Deftones | Around the Fur | 1997 | Yes |
| Limp Bizkit | Significant Other | 1999 | Yes |
| Slipknot | Slipknot | 1999 | Yes |
| Mudvayne | L.D. 50 | 2000 | Yes |
Korn’s 7-string tuning is a major part of their signature sound, and it has had a significant impact on the development of nu-metal as a genre. It is a testament to Korn’s innovative spirit and their willingness to push the boundaries of guitar playing.
FAQs About Korn’s 7-String Guitar Tuning
Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning is a unique and innovative approach to guitar playing that has had a major impact on the sound of nu-metal. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this tuning:
Question 1: What is Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning?
Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning is a tuning that uses seven strings, with the seventh string tuned to A, which is a whole step lower than the 6th string on a standard guitar.
Question 2: Why does Korn use a 7-string guitar tuning?
Korn uses a 7-string guitar tuning because it gives their guitars a heavier and more powerful sound, which is perfect for their aggressive style of music. The lower tuning also makes it easier to play chugging riffs, which are a staple of nu-metal music.
Question 3: What are the benefits of using Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning?
The benefits of using Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning include a heavier sound, a wider range of notes and chords, and the ability to play more complex and interesting music.
Question 4: What are the challenges of playing in Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning?
The challenges of playing in Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning include the wider string spacing and lower tension, which can make it more difficult to play cleanly. However, with practice and dedication, it is possible to overcome these challenges and master the 7-string guitar.
Question 5: What other bands use Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning?
Many other nu-metal bands use Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning, including Deftones, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot, and Mudvayne.
Question 6: How can I learn to play in Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning?
There are a number of resources available online and in music stores that can help you learn to play in Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning. With practice and dedication, you can master this tuning and play your favorite Korn songs.
Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used to create a wide range of music. If you are interested in learning more about this tuning, there are a number of resources available online and in music stores. With practice and dedication, you can master this tuning and play your favorite Korn songs.
Transition to the next article section:
Tips for Playing in Korn’s 7-String Guitar Tuning
Playing in Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning requires a high level of technical skill and dedication. However, with the right approach and practice, it is possible to master this tuning and play your favorite Korn songs.
Tip 1: Start slowly and gradually increase your speed.
When first starting out, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the tuning. This will help you to avoid making mistakes and developing bad habits.
Tip 2: Use a metronome to practice.
A metronome is a great tool for practicing in any guitar tuning, but it is especially helpful when playing in Korn’s 7-string tuning. A metronome will help you to stay in time and develop a consistent rhythm.
Tip 3: Focus on your picking technique.
The lower tension on the 7th string can make it more difficult to pick the string cleanly. Focus on using a precise picking technique and avoid picking too hard. The proper technique should allow the string to vibrate freely and produce a clear sound.
Tip 4: Use your pinky finger.
The wider string spacing on a 7-string guitar can make it more difficult to reach the 7th string with your ring finger. Try using your pinky finger to fret the 7th string. This will help you to improve your reach and accuracy.
Tip 5: Be patient and persistent.
Learning to play in Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Just keep practicing and you will eventually master this tuning.
Summary:
- Start slowly and gradually increase your speed.
- Use a metronome to practice.
- Focus on your picking technique.
- Use your pinky finger.
- Be patient and persistent.
Conclusion:
Playing in Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning can be a rewarding experience. It can open up new possibilities for your playing and help you to develop your technical skills. With the right approach and practice, you can master this tuning and play your favorite Korn songs.
Conclusion
Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning is a unique and innovative approach to guitar playing that has had a major impact on the sound of nu-metal. This tuning gives Korn’s guitars a heavier and more powerful sound, a wider range of notes and chords, and the ability to play more complex and interesting music.
Playing in Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning requires a high level of technical skill, but it is a rewarding experience that can open up new possibilities for your playing. With practice and dedication, you can master this tuning and play your favorite Korn songs.
Korn’s 7-string guitar tuning is a testament to their innovative spirit and their willingness to push the boundaries of guitar playing. It is a major part of their signature sound, and it has had a significant impact on the development of nu-metal as a genre.
