This is an incredibly deep and expansive 8-string tuning, aptly named "Deep Abyss Double Drop 8-String." Designed for crushing, atmospheric lows, it extends the instrument's range into sub-bass territories, as famously utilized by bands like Sleep Token. The tuning emphasizes a massive low-end foundation coupled with a unique arrangement of higher strings, creating a versatile palette for heavy, ambient, and experimental soundscapes.

Technical Analysis:

• Open Notes: The tuning features the following open notes from lowest (8th string) to highest (1st string): B0, E1, B1, E2, A2, D3, F#5, B3.
• Extreme Range: This tuning plunges to an exceptionally low B0 on the 8th string, creating a truly seismic bottom end. A highly unusual characteristic is that the 2nd string (F#5) is pitched significantly higher than the 1st string (B3). This non-linear string order suggests intentional design for specific chord voicings or melodic interplay, potentially using the F#5 for ringing harmonics or extreme lead lines against a lower drone.
• Intervalic Structure: The lowest four strings (B0-E1-B1-E2) create a resonant and dark B-minor-like texture, with the B and E notes providing a strong drone foundation. Many adjacent strings in the mid-range are tuned in perfect fourths (B1-E2, E2-A2, A2-D3), offering familiar shapes for power chords and scale fragments. The significant drops and the high F#5 provide a vast dynamic and tonal range, allowing for both guttural chugging and soaring, dissonant melodies.
• Open Chords & Voicings: The open strings B0-E1-B1-E2 immediately present a rich, low B-power chord with added E notes, ideal for heavy, sustained riffs. Extending to A2 and D3, this allows for various drone chords or suspended voicings around B, E, and D. The non-standard highest strings (F#5 and B3) encourage unconventional chord shapes and arpeggios, possibly focusing on wide, open intervals or dissonant clusters tailored to the extreme range. For example, open strings 8-5 (B-E-B-E) can form a thick Bsus4 or Bm7 without the 7th. Open strings 8-3 (B-E-B-E-A-D) can be voiced as a very spread-out D major 7th (D-F#-A-C#) with B and E drones, or a rich Em7/B (E-G-B-D-F#), depending on how the player interprets the dissonances and intervals.
• Suitability: This tuning is best suited for genres requiring extreme low frequencies, massive sonic impact, and experimental textures, such as djent, progressive metal, doom metal, and ambient soundscaping.

Tuning Notes Overview

Here are the target notes for each string, from the lowest (8th string) to the highest (1st string):

• 8th String: B0
• 7th String: E1
• 6th String: B1
• 5th String: E2
• 4th String: A2
• 3rd String: D3
• 2nd String: F#5
• 1st String: B3

How to Tune

Achieving this extreme tuning requires careful attention to string tension. All string movements exceed the recommended 4 semitone threshold for standard string gauges. It is highly advised to use a heavier gauge string set specifically designed for extended range and extremely low tunings to prevent string breakage and ensure proper intonation.

• 8th String (B0): Tune down 7 semitones to B0.
• 7th String (E1): Tune down 7 semitones to E1.
• 6th String (B1): Tune down 5 semitones to B1.
• 5th String (E2): Tune down 5 semitones to E2.
• 4th String (A2): Tune down 5 semitones to A2.
• 3rd String (D3): Tune down 5 semitones to D3.
• 2nd String (F#5): Tune up 7 semitones to F#5. Note the significant upward tension required for this string.
• 1st String (B3): Tune down 5 semitones to B3.

Due to the extreme movements for all strings, particularly the 2nd string which is tuned up significantly, a professional setup is highly recommended to ensure your instrument can handle the tension and remains properly intonated.