Tuning Overview: Alternate drop A#/D BASS

The 'Alternate drop A#/D BASS' is a deeply resonant and extremely low-pitched tuning for the electric bass, as hinted by its 'bwom' description. It plunges the instrument into sub-octave territories, creating a heavy, guttural sound often sought after in genres like metal, doom, or experimental music. This tuning emphasizes a powerful, foundational rumble, providing a dense sonic bed for other instruments. The significant drop in pitch across all strings gives them a looser feel, potentially offering unique bending and vibrato possibilities, though requiring careful handling to avoid floppiness and maintain clarity, especially with the extremely low notes.

Technical Analysis

This tuning establishes the open strings as A#1, D1, A#2, D#3, moving from the thickest (4th) to the thinnest (1st) string. These notes position the bass in an exceptionally low register:

• The 4th string is tuned to A#1.
• The 3rd string is tuned to D1.
• The 2nd string is tuned to A#2.
• The 1st string is tuned to D#3.

Analyzing the intervals from thickest to thinnest string:

• Between String 4 (A#1) and String 3 (D1): This is an unusual descending interval of 8 semitones (a diminished 6th).
• Between String 3 (D1) and String 2 (A#2): A massive jump of 20 semitones, spanning a major 7th across two octaves (D1 to A#2). This creates an enormous sonic gap, making adjacent string playing across these two very unconventional.
• Between String 2 (A#2) and String 1 (D#3): A standard perfect 4th (5 semitones), providing a more familiar interval on the upper strings.

Chordal Exploration

The open notes A#1, D1, A#2, D#3 present a unique harmonic landscape. While not forming a conventional chord directly, they offer a powerful low-end drone. The presence of A# and D# (enharmonically Bb and Eb) on the outer strings, with D1 in between, suggests a potential for heavy power chords or drone notes rooted around A#/Bb. For example, playing the 4th (A#1) and 1st (D#3) strings together creates a perfect 4th interval. The extreme jump between the 3rd and 2nd strings (D1 to A#2) means traditional chord shapes spanning these strings will be challenging or impossible. Instead, this tuning encourages single-note lines, two-string power chords, and the creative use of the open strings as resonant harmonic extensions. The very low D1 and A#1 allow for massive, extended range riffs, perfect for creating a thick, monolithic bass sound.

Open String Notes

• Thickest String (4th): A1#
• 3rd String: D1
• 2nd String: A2#
• Thinnest String (1st): D3#

How to Tune: Alternate drop A#/D BASS

To achieve the Alternate drop A#/D BASS tuning, adjust each string from its standard EADG (thickest to thinnest) electric bass tuning as follows:

• 4th String (Thickest): Tune to A1#. This requires you to tune down 8 semitones.
• 3rd String: Tune to D1. This requires you to tune down 9 semitones.
• 2nd String: Tune to A2#. This requires you to tune down 6 semitones.
• 1st String (Thinnest): Tune to D3#. This requires you to tune down 6 semitones.

Important Note on String Gauge:

Given the significant down-tuning required for all strings (8, 9, 6, and 6 semitones respectively), which exceeds the typical recommendation of +/- 4 semitones, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set than standard to maintain proper tension, intonation, and playability, and to prevent string damage or excessive buzzing.