The "NST dropped to A#" tuning for 5-string Bass Electric is a profoundly deep and unique configuration. As its name suggests, it is an extremely low tuning, setting the lowest string to A#1, making it a powerful choice for genres requiring immense low-end presence and specific harmonic textures.

Technical Analysis

This tuning presents an 'All Fifths' interval structure, which is highly uncommon for bass guitars and more akin to cello or mandolin family tunings (though much lower in pitch). The open strings are tuned to:

• String 5: A#1
• String 4: F1 (a perfect fifth above A#1)
• String 3: C2 (a perfect fifth above F1)
• String 2: G2 (a perfect fifth above C2)
• String 1: D3 (a perfect fifth above G2)

This consistent interval of a perfect fifth between all adjacent strings creates a highly symmetrical and predictable fretboard layout. The overall range, from a thunderous A#1 (approximately 58 Hz) to D3 (approximately 146 Hz), offers an incredibly deep and resonant tonal palette, ideal for heavy, atmospheric, or experimental genres where a solid, driving low end is paramount.

Chords and Playability

The 'All Fifths' structure fundamentally alters traditional bass playability, opening up new sonic possibilities while requiring adaptation for conventional approaches:

• Power Chords: This tuning excels at power chords (root and fifth). A simple two-finger shape will work consistently across any adjacent string pair, allowing for easy execution of powerful, resonant chordal stabs or sustained drones anywhere on the neck.
• Open String Chords: While traditional major or minor open chords are not directly available (as perfect fifths don't naturally form standard triads across open strings), striking two or three adjacent open strings will yield powerful, resonant perfect fifth intervals. For instance, playing String 5 and 4 open gives an A#-F perfect fifth, creating a strong foundational drone.
• Bass Lines: The consistent interval allows for highly logical and intuitive movement across the fretboard when crafting bass lines. Octaves are easily found two frets up on the next higher string, simplifying melodic and scalar patterns once adapted to. This consistency can foster a more melodic or contrapuntal approach to bass playing.
• Challenges: Playing traditional major or minor chord shapes (beyond root-fifth power chords) will require significant re-learning and innovative fingerings due to the wide intervals between strings. This tuning is not designed for conventional chordal accompaniment but rather for creating deep, impactful, and often minimalist or drone-based harmonic structures.

How to Tune

To achieve the "NST dropped to A#" tuning, you will need to significantly lower the pitch of each string. Due to the extreme pitch drops, it is highly recommended to use a much heavier gauge string set than standard to maintain proper tension, intonation, and playability, and to prevent excessive string floppiness. Tuning up by more than 4 semitones or down by more than 4 semitones generally suggests a different gauge string is advisable; this tuning far exceeds those recommendations.

• String 5 (A#1): Tune down 13 semitones. This is an extremely drastic drop, requiring a very heavy gauge string to avoid excessive looseness and potential damage to lighter strings.
• String 4 (F1): Tune down 11 semitones. A heavy gauge string is strongly advised for this substantial drop.
• String 3 (C2): Tune down 9 semitones. A heavy gauge string is strongly advised for this significant drop.
• String 2 (G2): Tune down 7 semitones. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal performance at this lower tension.
• String 1 (D3): Tune down 5 semitones. A slightly heavier gauge string is recommended to maintain good playability.

Always tune slowly, adjust your bass's intonation, and potentially your truss rod after such a significant change in string tension to ensure optimal setup and playability.

The open strings for this Bass Electric tuning are set as follows (from thickest to thinnest):

• String 5 (thickest): A#1
• String 4: F1
• String 3: C2
• String 2: G2
• String 1 (thinnest): D3