Verbal Analysis: This is an extremely low and dark tuning, predominantly used on 8-string guitars within heavy, modern metal subgenres such as Djent. As highlighted by its use in tracks like "Vore" by Sleep Token and "Metal Hell" by Mick Gordon, it pushes the boundaries of standard guitar setups, delving into very deep sonic territories. It creates a massive, guttural soundscape that is both crushing and ambient. The "Double Drop B" moniker is apt, as it features two strings tuned to B (B0 and B1), providing an exceptionally strong and resonant fundamental. This tuning is designed for the extended range of an 8-string guitar, where the extra low strings are fully utilized to craft punishing riffs, complex percussive patterns, and vast, dissonant textures that demand extreme low-end clarity and power. It’s not a tuning for easy open chords, but rather for intricate, often dissonant riffing and extended-range lead work.

Technical Analysis:

• Overall Structure: This is an 8-string tuning. Relative to a standard 8-string tuning (F# B E A D G B E, low to high), the tuning involves significant drops across all strings. The lowest F# string is dropped by 7 semitones to achieve an earth-shaking B0, while the 3rd string (G) is dropped by 6 semitones to C#4. All other strings are dropped by 5 semitones. The resulting open notes are B0, F#2, B1, E2, A2, C#4, F#4, B3 (from the 8th string to the 1st string). This configuration results in a highly resonant B-centric tuning, creating a dense sonic foundation.
• Intervals and Chordal Implications:
  • The lowest three strings (B0, F#2, B1) form a powerful B5 (B Power Chord) across multiple octaves, providing immense depth and a solid root-fifth foundation crucial for heavy music.
  • Moving up, the notes E2 (on the 5th string) and A2 (on the 4th string) introduce elements that, against the B root, imply a darker or more modal character (E is the 4th, A is the b7th/minor 7th).
  • The higher strings (C#4 on the 3rd, F#4 on the 2nd, B3 on the 1st) add further harmonic complexity. It's important to note that B3, while on the highest string, is lower in pitch than C#4 and F#4, creating a unique re-entrant effect in the higher register. The open string combination of B, F#, C#, E, A provides a rich harmonic palette, lending itself to extended, suspended, or minor-key sonorities, particularly a B Dorian or B Lydian sound with the C# and F# but without a clear major/minor third. The presence of A (b7) and E (4) against the B root suggests a Bsus2/4 quality. This allows for intricate voicings beyond simple major/minor chords.
  • While not designed for traditional open strumming, this tuning provides excellent opportunities for wide-interval power chords and dissonant clusters, especially with the adjacent B and F# notes. Due to the significant drops, single-finger barres across multiple strings, particularly on the lower fretboard, will naturally form complex power chords or suspended voicings around the B root, ideal for percussive chugging and low-end textural work.

How to Tune "Double Drop B" (8-String Guitar)

To achieve the "Double Drop B" tuning from a standard 8-string setup (F# B E A D G B E, from lowest to highest string), follow these steps carefully. Please note that all strings undergo significant tension changes, and heavier gauge strings are strongly recommended to maintain optimal playability and tone. Tuning beyond 4 semitones up or down often benefits from a different string gauge to prevent floppiness or excessive tension and potential damage to your instrument.

• String 8 (Lowest String): Starting from a standard F# (F#0), tune down 7 semitones to B0. This is a very substantial drop, making a heavier gauge string absolutely essential for proper tension and avoiding string buzz.
• String 7: Starting from a standard B (B1), tune down 5 semitones to F#2. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string.
• String 6: Starting from a standard E (E2), tune down 5 semitones to B1. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string.
• String 5: Starting from a standard A (A2), tune down 5 semitones to E2. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string.
• String 4: Starting from a standard D (D3), tune down 5 semitones to A2. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string.
• String 3: Starting from a standard G (G3), tune down 6 semitones to C#4. This is another significant drop, and a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 2: Starting from a standard B (B3), tune down 5 semitones to F#4. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string.
• String 1 (Highest String): Starting from a standard E (E4), tune down 5 semitones to B3. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string.

Always tune slowly and check your intonation after changing tunings, especially with such large adjustments. You may need to adjust your bridge saddle positions for optimal performance after setting this deep tuning.