The "Drop B with A Standard" tuning is a formidable configuration for an 8-string guitar, famously utilized by Mike Stringer of Spiritbox in their track "Fata Morgana". This tuning plunges the guitar into an incredibly low register, designed for players seeking maximum sonic impact and extended range.

Verbal Analysis

This is a truly beastly tuning, pushing the boundaries of an 8-string guitar into cavernous depths. The lowest B0 string provides an earth-shattering foundation, perfect for modern metal, djent, and progressive styles where extreme low-end power is paramount. The "Drop" aspect on the lowest string makes it incredibly easy to hit thunderous one-finger power chords, giving a distinct advantage for heavy riffing. The subsequent seven strings are arranged in what is essentially an A Standard tuning (A1-D2-G2-C3-F3-A3-D4), offering a familiar yet extended melodic landscape. This duality allows for both brutal, chugging riffs on the lowest string and intricate, technical passages or complex chord voicings on the higher strings. It feels like having a separate bass-guitar string while still maintaining the full range of a seven-string guitar.

Technical Analysis

This 8-string tuning is configured as B0-A1-D2-G2-C3-F3-A3-D4 (from lowest to highest string). The most striking feature is the ultra-low B0 string, which acts as a 'drop' string, a whole step above the A0 in a typical 8-string A Standard tuning, but it's the lowest note available. The intervals between the strings are as follows:

• 8th String (B0) to 7th String (A1): Major 7th (11 semitones)
• 7th String (A1) to 6th String (D2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• 6th String (D2) to 5th String (G2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• 5th String (G2) to 4th String (C3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• 4th String (C3) to 3rd String (F3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• 3rd String (F3) to 2nd String (A3): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
• 2nd String (A3) to 1st String (D4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)

The interval structure on the upper seven strings (A1-D2-G2-C3-F3-A3-D4) largely mirrors an A Standard tuning, but with a unique major third between the 3rd and 2nd strings (F3-A3), departing slightly from a pure all-fourths setup often found in lower tunings. This allows for a blend of standard and more open voicings.

Chords and Playability

The open tuning itself does not form a simple common chord, but it provides a rich harmonic canvas:

• Low-End Power Chords: The B0 string facilitates effortless power chords by simply fretting a single finger across the lowest string at any desired fret. For example, a C5 power chord can be played on the 1st fret of the 8th string, using the open 7th string (A1) for added density or muting it for a tighter sound.
• Extended Voicings: The A1-D2-G2-C3-F3-A3-D4 arrangement on the upper seven strings allows for complex chord voicings. The prevalence of perfect fourths (with one major third) simplifies the navigation of extended chords and scale shapes, similar to 'all-fourths' or 'perfect-fourths' tunings, but with the added flexibility of a standard-like major third.
• Open String Resonances: While not a simple open chord, the combination of open strings can create interesting drone effects or dissonances. The low B0 paired with A1 offers a powerful, almost orchestral low end.
• Melodic Freedom: Players familiar with D standard or A standard will find the upper string intervals intuitive for lead playing and scale runs, while the lowest string provides an additional layer of depth for bass lines or heavy single-note riffs.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Drop B with A Standard" tuning, start by accurately tuning each string to its designated pitch. Please be mindful of the significant string movements required for some strings.

• 8th String (Low B): Tune the 8th string to B0. This requires a significant adjustment: Tune down 7 semitones from its standard position.
• 7th String (Low A): Tune the 7th string to A1. This requires you to Tune down 2 semitones (a whole step).
• 6th String (D): Tune the 6th string to D2. This requires you to Tune down 2 semitones (a whole step).
• 5th String (G): Tune the 5th string to G2. This requires you to Tune down 2 semitones (a whole step).
• 4th String (C): Tune the 4th string to C3. This requires you to Tune down 2 semitones (a whole step).
• 3rd String (F): Tune the 3rd string to F3. This requires you to Tune down 2 semitones (a whole step).
• 2nd String (A): Tune the 2nd string to A3. This requires you to Tune down 2 semitones (a whole step).
• 1st String (High D): Tune the 1st string to D4. This requires you to Tune down 2 semitones (a whole step).

Important Note on String Gauges: For optimal performance and to prevent string breakage or intonation issues, it is generally advised to use a different gauge string when tuning up or down by more than 4 semitones. In this tuning, the 8th string requires a significant 7-semitone drop. Using a heavier gauge string for the 8th string is strongly recommended to maintain proper tension and tone.