This is an extremely versatile and heavy 8-string guitar tuning, aptly named "Drop C/F/A#." Designed specifically for the aggressive and intricate styles of metalcore and djent, it creatively blends elements of 6-string Drop A#, 7-string Drop F, and 8-string Drop C tunings into one powerful configuration.

Verbal Analysis

The core philosophy of this tuning is to provide maximum sonic impact and flexibility for low-end riffing. It's perfectly suited for bands like Erra, Wage War, and Humanity's Last Breath, allowing players to dive into their existing discographies or forge new, heavy compositions. The extensive dropping of strings creates a thunderous, resonant low end, ideal for deep chugging and intricate, palm-muted patterns.

A key feature highlighted is the ability to easily form power chords. The lowest three strings (8th, 7th, and 6th) are tuned C1-F1-A#2. While not a conventional single open power chord, these strings are set up in perfect fourths (C-F and F-A#). This interval structure is highly reminiscent of the lower strings on a standard-tuned guitar, making it exceptionally easy to create powerful, barre-fretted power chords across these strings. Simply barring a single fret on these three strings will produce a thick power chord (e.g., barring the first fret yields a C#5 chord).

Further up, strings 6, 5, and 4 (A#2-F2-A#3) form an open A# Power Chord (A#5 - Root-Fifth-Octave), which is characteristic of many dropped tunings. This allows for instant, heavy riffs without needing to fret the fifth, providing a familiar and comfortable feel for players accustomed to drop tunings on 6 or 7-string guitars.

The tuning also offers intriguing potential for alternate tunings within itself: by tuning the 6th string up two semitones, you can facilitate alternate picking patterns with the 8th string and effectively achieve a 7-string Drop F tuning feel. For the most extreme low end, tuning up both the 6th and 7th strings by a whole tone brings you into an 8-string Drop C tuning, unleashing maximum "chug" potential.

Technical Analysis

• Open Notes: C1 F1 A#2 F2 A#3 D#4 G3 C4
• Interval Structure (from lowest to highest string):
  • String 8 (C1) to String 7 (F1): Perfect 4th (P4)
  • String 7 (F1) to String 6 (A#2): Perfect 4th (P4)
  • String 6 (A#2) to String 5 (F2): Perfect 5th (P5, effectively A# to F, which is 7 semitones)
  • String 5 (F2) to String 4 (A#3): Perfect 4th (P4)
  • String 4 (A#3) to String 3 (D#4): Perfect 4th (P4)
  • String 3 (D#4) to String 2 (G3): Minor 3rd (m3)
  • String 2 (G3) to String 1 (C4): Perfect 4th (P4)
• Chordal Opportunities:
  • Open A#5 Power Chord: Strings 6 (A#2), 5 (F2), and 4 (A#3) naturally form an A# power chord (Root-Fifth-Octave).
  • Barre Power Chords (8-7-6): The C-F-A# relationship on the lowest three strings (all P4s) allows for effortless barre power chords across these strings, similar to how one would play on the lower strings of a standard-tuned guitar.
  • Barre Power Chords (5-4-3): Similarly, the F-A#-D# relationship on strings 5, 4, and 3 (all P4s) enables easy barre power chords, offering another range for heavy riffs.
  • The mixed intervals on the higher strings (A#-D#-G-C) provide interesting voicings and melodic possibilities, suitable for lead work or more complex harmonic structures within a heavy context. The D#4-G3-C4 forms a D#sus4 or a Gm11/D# voicing, offering a darker, more ambiguous sound.

How to Tune

This tuning requires significant adjustments from a standard 8-string tuning. Exercise caution, especially with the heaviest gauge strings.

• 8th String: Tune down 6 semitones to C1.
• 7th String: Tune down 6 semitones to F1.
• 6th String: Tune down 6 semitones to A#2.
• 5th String: Tune down 4 semitones to F2.
• 4th String: Tune down 4 semitones to A#3.
• 3rd String: Tune down 4 semitones to D#4.
• 2nd String: Tune down 4 semitones to G3.
• 1st String: Tune down 4 semitones to C4.

Important Note on String Gauge: Adjusting strings by 4 or more semitones (either up or down) can significantly impact string tension and potentially cause damage to your guitar or strings if not done carefully. For movements exceeding 4 semitones, it is highly recommended to consider using a different string gauge specifically designed for lower tunings to ensure proper tension, intonation, and playability.

8th String: C1

7th String: F1

6th String: A#2

5th String: F2

4th String: A#3

3rd String: D#4

2nd String: G3

1st String: C4