7-String Guitar Tuning: Standard B Tuning, Drop A and How to Tune

Standard tuning for a 7-string guitar is B E A D G B E: the usual six strings plus a low B1 below the low E. The extra string extends the range down a perfect fourth for heavier riffs, jazz bass lines and extended chords. The most common alternative is drop A (A E A D G B E), where only the 7th string goes down a whole step.

Standard 7-string tuning

The top six strings are exactly standard guitar tuning, so every chord shape and scale you know still works. The low B sits a fourth below the E, the same interval as between the other neighbouring strings (except G–B).

How to tune a 7-string step by step

1. Open Struno and choose the 7-string guitar; it has standard and drop A tunings ready.
2. Tune the 7th string first. Pluck it with the flesh of your thumb or a soft pick stroke: a full, round attack gives the tuner a cleaner low note.
3. Let it ring a moment before reading the gauge; the first instant of a low note is full of overtones.
4. Tune the other six as on a regular guitar, then check the low B again.
5. If the reading on the low B jumps around, use the harmonic at the 12th fret (touch the string lightly above the fret wire): it's the same note an octave higher and much easier to read.

Drop A and other low tunings

• Drop A (A E A D G B E): the 7th string down a whole step to A1. Power chords on the bottom three strings with one finger, the 7-string equivalent of drop D.
• A standard (A D G C F A D): every string a whole step down, for an even heavier sound.
• Drop G# / half step down: common in modern metal; use chromatic mode for these.

Lower tunings usually need a heavier 7th string to stay in tune and avoid flapping. Our guide to alternate guitar tunings explains how to retune safely, and power chords shows the one-finger shapes drop tunings are made for.

Tips for the low B

• Use a gauge made for a low B (often in the high .050s to .060s); a set designed for 7-string is safest.
• Retune often with new strings: thick strings stretch more at first.
• Mute the 7th string with your picking hand or thumb when you're not playing it, or it will ring under everything.

FAQ

Is a 7-string tuned like a regular guitar?

Yes, the top six strings are standard E A D G B E. The 7th string adds a low B.

What is the most common 7-string tuning?

Standard B E A D G B E, followed by drop A for heavier music.

Do I need a special tuner for a 7-string?

A chromatic tuner works for any string. Some guitar modes only expect six strings, so choose a 7-string or chromatic mode.