Tuning Analysis: Double Drop B (8 String)

This analysis describes the "Double Drop B (8 String)" tuning, a specialized setup for 8-string guitars. As the tuning description notes, this method is designed to achieve an extremely low 'B0' as the fundamental note on the 8th string, extending the instrument's range into the sub-bass frequencies. This tuning is particularly popular in genres like progressive metal, death metal, and djent, where a deep, resonant, and often aggressive sound is desired for crushing riffs and heavy textures.

Technical Breakdown:

• Instrument Type: Guitar (8-String)
• Tuning Name: Double Drop B (8 String)
• Tuning Description: This is described as the easiest way to tune to Double Drop B, or Drop B0, highlighting its focus on a very low B as the primary root.
• Open Notes:
  • String 8: B0 (Lowest string)
  • String 7: B1
  • String 6: E2
  • String 5: A2
  • String 4: D3
  • String 3: G3
  • String 2: B3
  • String 1: E4 (Highest string)

The core characteristic of this tuning is the remarkably low B0 on the 8th string, creating an incredibly deep foundation. The 7th string is tuned to B1, an octave above the 8th, forming a powerful dual-B bass register. From the 6th string upwards (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), the intervals largely mimic a standard guitar tuning (or an E standard tuning extended downwards), consisting of perfect fourths (E-A, A-D, D-G, B-E) with a major third between G3 and B3. This interval structure maintains familiarity for players used to standard tunings while providing an extended low range.

Musical Implications & Chordal Possibilities:

This Double Drop B tuning offers unique creative avenues for the 8-string player:

• Massive Low End: The B0 and B1 strings provide an unparalleled depth, perfect for earth-shaking riffs and extended melodic lines. The octave relationship between them makes it easy to create full, resonant low notes.
• Power Chords: The presence of perfect fourth intervals between strings 7,6,5,4,3 and 2,1 makes traditional power chord shapes (root-fifth) easily accessible across a wide range. For example, simply barring two adjacent strings (e.g., String 6 & 5, or 5 & 4) will yield a power chord. The B-E perfect fourth on the top two strings also facilitates common guitar shapes.
• Open String Chords: While not a traditional "open chord" tuning in the folk sense, the open strings themselves (B0-B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4) provide a dark and resonant cluster that can be leveraged for unique textures or ambient sounds, especially with heavy distortion or effects. Playing the open B0 and B1 strings together provides a thick, resonant B octave.
• Extended Voicings: Players familiar with standard guitar voicings can adapt them easily on the upper six strings (B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), then extend downward with the B0 string for incredibly full and complex chord voicings.
• Riffing Potential: The dropped B on the 8th string is ideal for "drop tuning" techniques, allowing for single-finger power chords by barring the lowest three strings (8, 7, 6, for a B-E-A sound) at a given fret for quick, heavy riffs. This simplifies playing and facilitates fast, low-end chord progressions.

This tuning requires an 8-string guitar with appropriate string gauges to handle the extreme low tension, particularly on the B0 string, for optimal intonation and playability.

How to Tune: Double Drop B (8 String)

To achieve the "Double Drop B (8 String)" tuning, carefully adjust each string according to the instructions below. Please note the significant drop for the 8th string, which may require a heavier gauge string for optimal performance and intonation.

• String 8 (Lowest): Tune down 7 semitones to B0. This is a significant adjustment. If your guitar previously had a standard tuning, this change (equivalent to dropping from an F#1) will require a substantial loosening of the string. Caution: Tuning down more than 4 semitones often benefits from a heavier gauge string to maintain proper tension, intonation, and playability.
• String 7: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B1.
• String 6: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E2.
• String 5: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• String 1 (Highest): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Always use a reliable tuner for precise adjustments. After initial tuning, it's good practice to stretch the strings gently and retune to ensure stability.