The "Triple Drop Double C Tuning" is a custom, extended-range setup for an 8-string guitar, delving into extremely low frequencies while retaining familiar upper-register voicings. This tuning is crafted for musicians seeking a colossal low-end presence, ideal for genres like djent, progressive metal, and experimental heavy music. It effectively creates a low dropped C, a dropped G, and a dropped D tuning across its lowest strings, as hinted by its name.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is characterized by significant drops on the lowest three strings, effectively creating multiple "drop" sections relative to a standard 8-string F# B E A D G B E tuning:

• String 8 (C1): Tuned a massive six semitones down from F#1, achieving a very deep C, equivalent to Drop C on a 6-string but an octave lower.
• String 7 (G1): Dropped four semitones from B1, settling on G1. This creates a dropped G interval.
• String 6 (D2): Tuned down two semitones from E2, resulting in D2, similar to a Drop D configuration but an octave lower than standard Drop D on a 6-string.
• Strings 5-1 (A2 D3 G3 B3 E4): These strings maintain their standard 8-string relative pitches, providing the familiar top five strings of a standard EADGBE guitar (A D G B E).

The resultant open string notes are: C1 G1 D2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4.

Chordal Opportunities and Voicings

The unique structure of this tuning opens up various harmonic possibilities:

• Powerful Low-End Chords: The lowest three strings (C1 G1 D2) allow for extremely deep, resonant power chords and extended voicings. For example, a C5 power chord can be effortlessly played on strings 8 and 7 (C1 G1). The open C G D also suggests a Cmaj9sus2 flavor or a wide C major triad (C G D).
• Familiar Upper Voicings: Strings 5-1 (A2 D3 G3 B3 E4) are identical in their relative pitch intervals to the top five strings of a standard EADGBE guitar (A-D-G-B-E). This means all standard chord shapes and scales applied to the A, D, G, B, and E strings of a 6-string guitar can be directly transferred to strings 5-1 of this 8-string, making the transition for lead lines and higher chord voicings very natural and familiar.
• Resonant Open Strings: The presence of an open D (D2) and A (A2) on the middle strings allows for sympathetic resonance and drone effects. The entire open tuning (C G D A D G B E) itself can form rich, complex chords or dissonant textures depending on the musical context.
• "One-Finger" Drop Voicings: The consecutive dropped intervals (C, G, D) on the lowest strings make it incredibly easy to play power chords by simply fretting a single fret across strings 8, 7, and 6. This is perfect for heavy, rhythmic riffing and breakdowns.

How to Tune (from Standard 8-string F#1 B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4)

Please take note of the recommended string gauge considerations for significant tuning changes to ensure proper tension, intonation, and tone.

• String 8 (F# to C): Tune down 6 semitones to C1. Caution: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain optimal tension and prevent floppiness.
• String 7 (B to G): Tune down 4 semitones to G1. Caution: This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain optimal tension and prevent intonation issues.
• String 6 (E to D): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A to A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (D to D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3 (G to G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B to B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• String 1 (E to E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

String 8: C1 (Lowest string)

String 7: G1

String 6: D2

String 5: A2

String 4: D3

String 3: G3

String 2: B3

String 1: E4 (Highest string)