"Attention Metalheads!

This week I shall introduce you to the low-down potential of the 7A tuning....

Presumably you are all aware of the Drop D tuning technique favoured by powerseeking 6 stringers? Just in case you aren't, 6E 5A 4D 3G 2B 1E becomes 6D 5A 4D 3G 2B 1E. This creates a meaty 5th chord between open 6D, 5A and 4D.

If you now introduce a 7string under the D , but tune it to A you get 7A 6D 5A 4D 3G 2B 1E. This creates an even meatier 4th chord between open 7A, 6D, 5A, and 4D. Meatier by far than any 7B tuning!

Below are the shapes you will need to jam freely.

Recommended listening: Steve Vai's Alive in the Ultra Zone (both discs)

See also:

Guy's site: http://www.7string.org/

And previous GNW articles:
http://www.guitarsite.com/newsletters/010430/7.shtml