The "Drop A Bass" Tuning Analysis

This tuning, aptly named "Drop A Bass," transforms your Bass Electric into a beast of low-end power. As the description suggests, it's a "Really low drop tuning for bass," pushing the boundaries of typical bass frequencies to deliver earth-shaking grooves and guttural tones perfect for genres like metal, doom, and progressive rock.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are A0, E1, A1, D2. Compared to standard E-standard bass tuning (E1-A1-D2-G2), all strings are significantly lowered, creating an exceptionally deep sonic landscape.

• The lowest string is an incredibly deep A0, an entire octave below the A1 of standard tuning.
• The second string is E1, which creates a perfect fifth interval with the lowest A0 (A-E), forming the basis of a power chord.
• The third string is A1, forming a resonant octave with the lowest A0, greatly enhancing the fundamental's presence.
• The highest string is D2, creating a perfect fourth interval with the A1 below it.

This configuration of A0-E1-A1-D2 establishes a powerful open A power chord (A-E-A) on the lowest three strings, with the D2 on top adding a strong suspended fourth quality or another layer of deep resonance. The overall sound is incredibly dark and resonant, providing a massive foundation for any mix. The wide intervals between some strings, especially the large drop to A0, allow for deep, sustained drone notes and chunky single-note riffs that resonate with immense power, making it a favorite for heavy genres.

Chord & Riff Possibilities

The "Drop A Bass" tuning is ideal for heavy music styles where a deep, impactful sound is paramount. The open A-E-A allows for easy open A power chords with just a single finger, perfect for driving root-fifth riffs. Moving this shape up and down the fretboard maintains the power chord structure, making it very intuitive for power chord-based bass lines. The open D2 string can be used to add color, create suspended voicings, or simply to extend the low-end drone. This tuning encourages powerful, resonant single-note lines and syncopated rhythmic patterns that can truly define the low-end of a song. Octave riffs become particularly potent with the A0-A1 relationship, creating a thick, harmonically rich foundation.

How to Tune Your Bass to Drop A

To achieve the "Drop A Bass" tuning, you will be lowering all your strings significantly from standard E-standard tuning. Due to the extreme nature of these drops (all exceeding 4 semitones), it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set to maintain proper tension and intonation, and to prevent string floppiness.

• String 4 (Lowest E-string): Tune down 9 semitones to A0. This is a very substantial drop, almost an octave and a half from standard E.
• String 3 (A-string): Tune down 7 semitones to E1. This brings it to the same pitch as the standard E-string.
• String 2 (D-string): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. This places it an octave above the lowest E string in standard tuning.
• String 1 (Highest G-string): Tune down 7 semitones to D2. This is the same pitch as the standard D-string.

Always tune carefully and check your intonation after such significant changes to ensure your bass plays in tune across the fretboard. You may also need to adjust your truss rod and bridge for optimal playability.