7-String Standard
7-String Standard Tuning Mode
Seven-string standard tuning (B E A D G B E) adds a low B below familiar six-string standard tuning while leaving the upper six strings unchanged.
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About 7-String Standard Tuning
Seven-string standard tuning (B E A D G B E) adds a low B below familiar six-string standard tuning while leaving the upper six strings unchanged.
Benefits of 7-String Standard Tuning
- Adds five lower notes without changing familiar six-string chord and scale logic
- Supports extended-range riffs, bass lines, and wider chord voicings
- Provides a clear starting point before moving to seven-string drop tunings
Notable Users
Widely used in modern metal, progressive music, jazz, fusion, and extended-range guitar arrangements.
7-String Standard target notes
Tune the strings from low to high to B E A D G B E.
| Order | Target note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B1 | 61.74 Hz |
| 2 | E2 | 82.41 Hz |
| 3 | A2 | 110.00 Hz |
| 4 | D3 | 146.83 Hz |
| 5 | G3 | 196.00 Hz |
| 6 | B3 | 246.94 Hz |
| 7 | E4 | 329.63 Hz |
How seven-string standard is laid out
Seven-string standard runs B1, E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, and E4 from the lowest string to the highest. It adds one low B beneath ordinary six-string standard tuning, so the upper six strings keep their familiar notes and interval relationships.
Do not confuse it with six-string B Standard. B Standard uses B E A D F# B by lowering every string; seven-string standard keeps E A D G B E intact and extends the range with a separate seventh string.
Low-B tracking and setup
Use a seven-string set with a low-B gauge that suits the guitar's scale length and your picking attack. If B1 feels loose, rattles, or will not intonate, string choice and setup are more useful fixes than forcing the tuner reading.
Pick the seventh string gently and let the note settle because a phone or laptop microphone may lock onto B2 instead of the B1 fundamental. Compare the low B1 with the second-string B3 as a two-octave check, then run through all seven strings again.
How to Tune to 7-String Standard
To tune your guitar to 7-String Standard, follow these steps:
- Start with your guitar in standard tuning if possible
- Use our online tuner above to help you hit the correct pitch for each string
- Tune each string carefully, checking the pitch accuracy as you go
- For drop tunings, be careful not to drop the pitch too far as it may cause fret buzz
- Once tuned, play some chords or scales to ensure everything sounds harmonious
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this tuning require different string gauges?
For lower tunings like Drop C or below, heavier gauge strings (11-56 or thicker) are recommended to maintain proper tension and prevent fret buzz.
Will I need to adjust my guitar's truss rod?
Significant changes in tuning, especially when going to lower tunings, may require truss rod adjustments to compensate for changes in string tension.
Can I use standard chord shapes in this tuning?
For drop tunings, power chords are easier, but other chord shapes will require different fingerings. For open tunings, standard chord shapes won't apply, but you can use simple bar positions.
English guides
Learn 7-String Standard faster
These guides explain when to use this tuning, how it compares with standard tuning, and what to check if your instrument still sounds off.
Drop A Tuning Guide
Compare seven-string standard with the common Drop A layout that lowers only the seventh string.
Guitar String Gauge Guide
Choose a low-B gauge that balances tension with the familiar upper six strings.
Guitar Fretboard Notes
Extend familiar six-string fretboard logic onto the additional low B string.
Related Tuning Modes
Explore other tuning modes that complement 7-String Standard tuning
B Standard
B Standard tuning (B E A D F# B) lowers every string five semitones while preserving the intervals and fingering logic of standard tuning.
Drop A
Drop A tuning (A E A D F# B) offers extremely low, heavy tones perfect for brutal metal genres.
Standard
Standard tuning (E A D G B E) is the most common tuning for guitar, providing a balanced sound across all strings.