The Scourge

Required String Notes:G# - D# - G# - C# - F# - A# - D#

How to Tune from Standard to Drop G# 7-String Tuning

Start in standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 7 of 7 strings to play “The Scourge”:

String	Standard	Target	What to do
String 7	B1	G#1	Tune down 3 semitones
String 6	E2	D#2	Tune down a half step
String 5	A2	G#2	Tune down a half step
String 4	D3	C#3	Tune down a half step
String 3	G3	F#3	Tune down a half step
String 2	B3	A#3	Tune down a half step
String 1	E4	D#4	Tune down a half step

Recommended string gauge: .010–.056 (7-string). A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String (.010–.056) · affiliate link

Song Overview & Tuning Breakdown

"The Scourge" by Periphery is played in Drop G# 7-String Tuning (G# - D# - G# - C# - F# - A# - D#). Starting from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E), you retune 7 of 7 strings: string 7 down to G#, string 6 down to D#, string 5 down to G#, string 4 down to C#, string 3 down to F#, string 2 down to A#, string 1 down to D#. Overall string tension drops, with the biggest change being 3 semitones down. Periphery uses this same tuning on 20 other songs in our catalog, so you can stay tuned and keep playing.

Looking for tabs or chords?Search Ultimate Guitar

Tunings Close to Drop G# 7-String Tuning

Already tuned to G# - D# - G# - C# - F# - A# - D#? These tunings are just one small change away.

Meshuggah 7-String (Bb Standard)23 songs

Bb - Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbOnly string 7 differs: A# instead of G#.

Custom Tuning (G#D#G#C#FA#D#)4 songs

G#D#G#C#FA#D#Only string 3 differs: F instead of F#.

Custom Tuning (G#C#G#C#F#A#D#)3 songs

G#C#G#C#F#A#D#Only string 6 differs: C# instead of D#.

Custom Tuning (AEADGBE)2 songs

AEADGBESame chord shapes, every string a half step higher.

Periphery’s Guitar Tunings

Periphery plays 21 of 81 songs in our catalog in Drop G# 7-String Tuning. Most-used tunings:

Drop C TuningC - G - C - F - A - D23 songs
Drop G# 7-String TuningG# - D# - G# - C# - F# - A# - D#21 songs
Drop C + Low AA - G - C - F - A - D13 songs
8-String Standard (F# Standard)F# - B - E - A - D - G - B - E9 songs
Custom Tuning (CGCEGD)CGCEGD2 songs

Gear for Drop G# 7-String Tuning

Strings and tools that make playing "The Scourge" in Drop G# 7-String Tuning easier.

Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 7-String (.010–.056)

Recommended gauge .010–.056 (7-string). A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.

View strings

D'Addario Universal Micro Headstock Tuner

A headstock tuner makes switching in and out of this tuning quick, even on stage or without a mic.

View tuner

D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)

Retuning 7 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.

View winder

Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

“The Scourge” Tuning FAQ

What tuning is "The Scourge" by Periphery in?

"The Scourge" is played in Drop G# 7-String Tuning: G# - D# - G# - C# - F# - A# - D#, from the lowest to the highest string.

How do I tune my guitar to play "The Scourge"?

Start from standard tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E). String 7: tune down 3 semitones (B1 → G#1). String 6: tune down a half step (E2 → D#2). String 5: tune down a half step (A2 → G#2). String 4: tune down a half step (D3 → C#3). String 3: tune down a half step (G3 → F#3). String 2: tune down a half step (B3 → A#3). String 1: tune down a half step (E4 → D#4).

What string gauge should I use for Drop G# 7-String Tuning?

Use a .010–.056 (7-string) set. A dedicated 7-string set keeps the low B tight enough to stay in tune.

Which other Periphery songs use this tuning?

"Blood Eagle", "Crush", "Eureka", "Facepalm Mute", "Flatline", "Icarus Lives!" and 14 more — all in G# - D# - G# - C# - F# - A# - D#, so you can play them without retuning.