7-string tunings...

[The Scarecrow]

*Potential noob questions...*

So, 7-string is sorted and on the way. I'm kind of new to this whole extended range thing, and at this stage, am not really implimenting into band (although the bassist does play 5 string), just trying to learn at home etc.

However, I'm in a band that plays in Drop 6 (CGCFAd) and wondering how that translates on a 7? ACGCFAd? GCGCFAd? I gather that with the extended range, staying in BEADGBe is also an option, but we're used to the Drop C tuning now in terms of string tension/feel as well as some of the open-chord voicings used.

Any string gauge recomendations? I usually play 10-46 on a 6.

[Single coil]

10-46 should probably become 10-56 or 10-60. Can't help with the fun tuning part though.

[jeremyb]

What scale length is it? will have a major effect on string choice

[The Scarecrow]

What scale length is it? will have a major effect on string choice

It's an LTD SC207 - 25.5"

[cholera]

Trying to wrap my brain around this, but for what it's worth, here's how I see 7 strings...
One band I'm in plays in E standard, which makes it nice and easy. I tune the low string to A, then any power chord or whatever that is based on the 3rd string (A) can easily become, lower, therefore better! But I can still play all the regular 6 string stuff easy enough, and it's not that hard to get used to it...even though I NEVER thought of a 7 string that way. What I used to do was tune to drop A (like now) but I also tuned the G string to F#. This basically made it seem as though the low A was really my regular low E, and basically gave me an extra high string ( not an actual high string of course). Ihad to tune the G down to compensate for the 4th/4th/4th then a 3rd intervals on a regular tuned guitar. That allowed me to play a 7 string power chord as if I was playing on a 6 string. I hope that makes sense. Either way, I stopped tuning the G down because it rendered my 7 strings useless for trying to play in anything that wasn't my regular band, so now I just finger the chord a bit differently.
As for what you are doing, if your 6th string is already tuned down, I guess I would tune the 7th string to an octave of your third string. I have never tried to use a 7 string with anyone who was playing a drop tuned 6. Of course you could tune up to C but that gives you an extra high string instead, which may or may not be helpful to you....
I use 10-60 for my 7 strings, I used to use a 56 but that didnt really cut the mustard for drop A. I would imagine if you go this downtuning route you will need to go at least up to 11's and maybe a 62 or something for the low 7.

[cholera]

This is probably no use whatsoever to you, but I found it helpful to picture the 7 string in those 2 ways.

[godgrinder]

Of course you could tune up to C but that gives you an extra high string instead, which may or may not be helpful to you....

Since it's a 25.5" scaled one I would suggest doing this.

[The Scarecrow]

Of course you could tune up to C but that gives you an extra high string instead, which may or may not be helpful to you....

Since it's a 25.5" scaled one I would suggest doing this.

so that'd end up being CGCFADG?