ANIMALS AS LEADERS..

Verbal Analysis

This is an exceptionally low and wide-ranging 8-string tuning, clearly designed for the demanding requirements of progressive metal, djent, and highly technical instrumental guitar music. The explicit "Animals As Leaders" reference immediately places this tuning in the realm of complex polyrhythms, intricate tapping lines, and massive, resonant chords that push the boundaries of conventional guitar sonics. With the lowest note hitting A1, it provides an incredibly deep and heavy foundation, while the unusual intervalic structure, particularly in the lower strings, creates a distinctive and rich harmonic palette. This tuning promises a sound that is both crushing in its low-end power and surprisingly articulate, perfect for intricate riffing, extended-range lead work, and expansive, atmospheric soundscapes.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument: 8-String Guitar
• Open Tuning Notes (from String 8 to String 1): C#2, A1, E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4
• True Lowest Pitch: It's crucial to observe that the 7th string (A1) is actually tuned lower in pitch than the 8th string (C#2). This creates a unique and non-linear pitch progression in the instrument's lowest registers, with A1 being the absolute lowest available note in this tuning.
• Interval Analysis (from lowest pitch A1, then ascending in pitch):
  • A1 (String 7) to C#2 (String 8): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
  • C#2 (String 8) to E2 (String 6): Minor 3rd (3 semitones)
  • E2 (String 6) to A2 (String 5): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
  • A2 (String 5) to D3 (String 4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
  • D3 (String 4) to G3 (String 3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
  • G3 (String 3) to B3 (String 2): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
  • B3 (String 2) to E4 (String 1): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• Chordal Opportunities:
  • The open strings 7, 8, 6, and 5 (A1, C#2, E2, A2) form a powerful, widely voiced A Major chord. This arrangement allows for rich, resonant open A major tonalities and arpeggios, which can serve as a strong harmonic anchor or provide a massive, full sound for rhythm playing.
  • The open strings 4, 3, 2, and 1 (D3, G3, B3, E4) present an interesting harmonic cluster. They contain a G Major triad (G-B-D) with an added E, which can be interpreted as a Gmaj7no5 or an Em11 chord. This configuration is excellent for modern, open-voiced harmonies and allows for resonant Em and G major inversions.
  • The significantly low range, especially with A1 and C#2, makes this tuning exceptionally well-suited for heavy, chugging riffs, powerful octave sections, and the characteristic low-end impact of the "djent" style and extended-range instrumental metal.

Tuning Notes

• String 8: C#2
• String 7: A1
• String 6: E2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: E4

How to Tune

Please follow these instructions carefully. For strings requiring movements of more than 4 semitones (either up or down), a different string gauge may be advised to ensure optimal string tension, prevent breakage when tuning up, or avoid excessive floppiness when tuning down significantly.

• String 8 (Lowest String): Tune down 5 semitones to C#2. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial change; a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended for improved tension and tone.)
• String 7: Tune down 2 semitones to A1.
• 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 String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.