Description: The Bad Thing by Periphery (BASS)

This is "The Bad Thing" bass tuning, associated with the progressive metal band Periphery, known for their technically intricate and heavy sound. The tuning is described as based on a "Drop C" concept, with a unique adjustment to the lowest string. The resulting open tuning for a 4-string bass is A1-G2-C3-F3, listed from the lowest (4th) to the highest (1st) string. This tuning provides a deeply resonant and dark sonic foundation, perfectly suited for the complex and aggressive bass lines characteristic of Periphery's music.

Technical Analysis:

• The open notes are A1 (lowest string), G2, C3, and F3 (highest string).
• The top three strings (G2, C3, F3) are consistently tuned in perfect fourths (G to C is a perfect fourth, C to F is a perfect fourth). This arrangement is excellent for playing power chords across these strings, facilitating quick arpeggios, and enabling fluid melodic passages with familiar fretboard shapes, which is a hallmark of modern metal bass playing.
• The lowest string, A1, is tuned a minor seventh below the next string (G2). This specific interval (A-G) creates a powerful, resonant open minor seventh sonority, or can be used to lay down a heavy, often dissonant, pedal tone against higher notes.
• Harmonically, the open strings form the notes A, G, C, F. This can be interpreted as an A minor 7th chord with an added F (minor 6th), or an F major triad (F-A-C) with an open G (major 9th) and a low A in the bass. This unique combination offers a rich, complex sound that is both heavy and harmonically sophisticated.
• The exceptionally low A1 provides a profound, rumbling foundation, while the consistent perfect fourths on the higher strings allow for intuitive and efficient playing across the fretboard.

How to Tune:

To achieve "The Bad Thing" tuning, carefully follow these string adjustments. Always use a reliable tuner for accuracy.

• String 4 (Lowest String): Tune down 2 semitones to reach A1.
• String 3: Tune up 3 semitones to reach G2.
• String 2: Tune up 3 semitones to reach C3.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune up 3 semitones to reach F3.

Important Note on String Gauge: The specified adjustments for this tuning are generally within safe limits for standard bass strings. String movements of more than 4 semitones (either up or down) can significantly alter string tension, potentially affecting playability, intonation, and in extreme cases, causing damage to the instrument. If you plan to frequently use tunings with such large semitone shifts, considering a different string gauge is advisable. For this specific tuning, all individual string movements are within the +/- 4 semitone range, but always exercise caution and monitor string tension.

String 4 (Lowest): A1
String 3: G2
String 2: C3
String 1 (Highest): F3