Tuning Analysis: Extreme 8-String Drop E1 / Low A

This is an incredibly deep and experimental 8-string Guitar tuning, officially named 'Drop E1/Low A'. As described in its original context, it's a "Ridiculous 7-string Drop E1 tuning with an extra Low A", specifically adapted for an 8-string instrument. This setup strongly implies the use of a hybrid bass/guitar string configuration to achieve the extremely low fundamental pitches.

Verbal & Technical Observations

This tuning plunges into the sub-harmonic range, with the lowest string, String 8, tuned to an astounding A0. To put this in perspective, this note is significantly below the lowest open string of a standard 4-string bass (E1), extending the instrument's range into territories typically reserved for bass guitars or even keyboard synthesizers. The subsequent strings, E1, B1, E2, A2, D3, maintain a heavy, dark character, forming a powerful foundation. The arrangement of E1, B1, E2 on Strings 7, 6, and 5 provides a clear 'Drop E' flavor, perfect for crushing power chords and riffs. The inclusion of A0 and A2 allows for massive octave voicing of the 'A' note, providing immense depth to any root note played on those strings.

A distinctive feature lies in the two highest pitch strings as listed in the tuning notes: F4# (String 2) and B3 (String 1). It's important to note the unusual ordering where String 2 is pitched higher than String 1 (F4# is higher than B3), which is non-standard for typical guitar string numbering if 'String 1' implies the highest pitch string. The interval between B3 and F4# is an augmented fourth (tritone), a highly dissonant interval that lends itself to very tense, avant-garde, or extreme metal harmonic textures. This combination, along with the incredibly low foundation, allows for a vast sonic palette, from cavernous rumbles to piercing, dissonant leads.

Open Chords & Voicings

• Massive Power Chords: The lowest strings (A0, E1, B1, E2) offer incredible options. For example, playing A0, E1, and A2 forms an immense A5 power chord. E1, B1, E2 creates a formidable E5.
• Dark Harmonies: The open strings A0, E1, B1, E2, A2, D3 provide a rich, dark soundscape, lending themselves to extended drone passages or intricate low-register riffs.
• Tritone Dissonance: The F4# (String 2) and B3 (String 1) can be exploited for sharp, cutting dissonances in higher registers, contrasting with the deep foundation.
• 'Double Drop A' Potential: The description notes that "Third string can be dropped for Double Drop A tuning." With String 3 currently at D3, dropping it to A3 would create a powerful octave layering with A0 and A2, forming an even more resonant A5 chord across multiple octaves. This would result in the tuning A0, E1, B1, E2, A2, A3, F4#, B3.

How to Tune

Important Note: All strings in this tuning require significant detuning. For changes exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is highly recommended to consider using a different gauge string optimized for the target tension and pitch to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument. Given the extreme drops, a specialized set of strings, potentially hybrid bass/guitar strings, is almost certainly required.

• String 8: Tune down 9 semitones to A0. This is an extreme drop.
• String 7: Tune down 7 semitones to E1. This is a very significant drop.
• String 6: Tune down 5 semitones to B1. This is a substantial drop.
• String 5: Tune down 5 semitones to E2. This is a substantial drop.
• String 4: Tune down 5 semitones to A2. This is a substantial drop.
• String 3: Tune down 5 semitones to D3. This is a substantial drop.
• String 2: Tune down 5 semitones to F4#. This is a substantial drop.
• String 1: Tune down 5 semitones to B3. This is a substantial drop.

The open string notes for this tuning are as follows (from lowest pitch to highest pitch):

• String 8 (Lowest): A0
• String 7: E1
• String 6: B1
• String 5: E2
• String 4: A2
• String 3: D3
• String 2: F4#
• String 1 (Highest Numbered String, but lower pitch than String 2): B3