How to Tune to Meshuggah 7-String (Bb Standard)
The seven-string Bb Standard tuning (Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb) that made Meshuggah the founders of djent. It is standard 7-string tuning dropped a whole step, adding a super-low Bb string beneath a full standard set. The result is a devastatingly heavy, tight low end perfect for the band's polyrhythmic, machine-precise riffing.
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| String 6 | A#1 | 58.27 Hz |
| String 5 | D#2 | 77.78 Hz |
| String 4 | G#2 | 103.83 Hz |
| String 3 | C#3 | 138.59 Hz |
| String 2 | F#3 | 185.00 Hz |
| String 1 | A#3 | 233.08 Hz |
| String 0 | D#4 | 311.13 Hz |
Fun Fact
Meshuggah's rhythmic approach — long, syncopated riffs that cycle over a steady 4/4 pulse — combined with this low, taut tuning produced the percussive, palm-muted 'djent' tone that spawned an entire genre. They later moved to eight-string guitars to go even lower.
String Tension & Setup Tips
Recommended Gauge:A heavy 7-string set (.010-.064 or thicker) on a 25.5"-26.5" scale keeps the low Bb tight. The seventh string especially needs mass — .062 or heavier — for the articulate, chugging attack the style demands.
Meshuggah 7-String (Bb Standard)Intermediate
Bb - Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Meshuggah 7-String (Bb Standard)Intermediate
Bb - Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Meshuggah 7-String (Bb Standard)Intermediate
Bb - Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Meshuggah 7-String (Bb Standard)Intermediate
Bb - Eb - Ab - Db - Gb - Bb - EbNo Capo
Frequently Asked Questions
What tuning does Meshuggah use?
On most of their classic material Meshuggah use a 7-string tuned to Bb Standard: Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb, a whole step below standard 7-string (B-E-A-D-G-B-E). Later albums use 8-string guitars tuned even lower.
How do I tune a 7-string to Bb Standard?
Take standard 7-string tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E) and drop every string a whole step to Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb. Use heavy strings so the low Bb stays tight. The tuner above lists each target.
Why is this tuning associated with djent?
The combination of an ultra-low, tightly tensioned string and Meshuggah's palm-muted, polyrhythmic riffing created the percussive 'djent' attack. Bands like Periphery and TesseracT built a whole genre on tunings like this.
What are the frequencies for Meshuggah Bb 7-string?
Bb1 = 58.27 Hz, Eb2 = 77.78 Hz, Ab2 = 103.83 Hz, Db3 = 138.59 Hz, Gb3 = 185.00 Hz, Bb3 = 233.08 Hz, Eb4 = 311.13 Hz.