This is an extreme and powerful 9-string guitar tuning, specifically known as Deathstrain's Double Drop A DADGAD. Created for the band Deathstrain, it extends the instrument's range significantly into the sub-bass frequencies while incorporating melodic elements reminiscent of the popular DADGAD tuning.

Verbal Analysis

Designed for heavy music and an expansive sonic palette, this tuning plunges the lowest strings into unprecedented depths. The open strings A0-D1-A1-D2-A2-D3 create a massive, resonant low-end drone built on perfect fourths, making it incredibly easy to achieve huge, crushing power chords with minimal effort, especially across the lowest six strings (9-4). The repeating A and D notes provide a foundation that is both stable and incredibly deep. Above this foundation, the G3-A3-D4 on the higher strings introduce a more melodic and open character, reflecting the DADGAD influence and allowing for rich, suspended harmonies and modal playing.

With this tuning, open strumming across the lower strings will yield a massive 'A' power chord or a deep 'D' drone. The combination of A, D, and G notes across all nine open strings suggests easy access to Dsus4, Gsus2, and various modal voicings. Barre chords will inherit the robust, open-string resonance, creating a wall of sound that is both complex and heavy. The structure also lends itself well to fingerstyle playing that exploits the drone potential and wide harmonic intervals, making it a formidable choice for progressive metal, djent, and experimental genres.

Technical Analysis

This 9-string tuning is set to A0 D1 A1 D2 A2 D3 G3 A3 D4 (from lowest to highest string). The intervals between strings (from 9th to 1st) are:

• String 9 (A0) to String 8 (D1): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 8 (D1) to String 7 (A1): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 7 (A1) to String 6 (D2): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (A2): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (D3): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (G3): Major Third (M3)
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (A3): Major Second (M2)
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (D4): Perfect Fourth (P4)

The predominant use of Perfect Fourth intervals in the lower five strings (9-5) provides a strong, foundational resonance. The deviation to a Major Third and Major Second between strings 4, 3, and 2 introduces more harmonic flexibility, creating a unique character that is both deep and melodically rich. The final Perfect Fourth on the highest string reinforces the overall open sound, reminiscent of the DADGAD structure (D-A-D-G-A-D), specifically the G-A-D pattern on the higher strings. The open notes (A, D, G) present an open Dsus4 or Gsus2 harmony, making it ideal for modal textures and heavy, open-string riffing.

How to Tune: Deathstrain's Double Drop A DADGAD

Achieving this extended-range tuning requires specific adjustments from a standard setup. Please be mindful of string tension and consider a heavier gauge string for very significant drops, especially if you plan to keep the guitar in this tuning for extended periods.

• String 9 (Lowest A0): Tune down 4 semitones to A0. This is a significant drop, a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.
• String 8 (D1): Tune down 4 semitones to D1. Another significant drop, a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.
• String 7 (A1): Tune down 2 semitones to A1.
• String 6 (D2): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (A3): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (Highest D4): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Always tune slowly and check your intonation after tuning, especially with such significant string tension changes.