This is a formidable 8-string Guitar tuning, famously utilized by the metal band After the Burial in many of their songs. It's a deep, aggressive tuning designed for a heavy, technical, and expansive sound, pushing the boundaries of the instrument's lower register.

Technical Analysis

The tuning, from the lowest (8th) to highest (1st) string, is C#2, A#2, D#3, G#3, C#4, F#4, A#4, D#5. This tuning immediately stands out due to its exceptionally low fundamental note of C#2, which is several steps below a standard 8-string's lowest F# or even Drop E.

• The interval between the 8th string (C#2) and the 7th string (A#2) is a wide minor 6th (9 semitones), creating a significant leap in pitch at the very bottom.
• Strings 7 through 4 (A#2, D#3, G#3, C#4) are primarily tuned in perfect 4ths (A#-D#, D#-G#, G#-C# are all 5 semitones), providing a familiar and stable foundation for power chords and riffing. This structure makes it incredibly easy to form powerful, resonant chords by simply barring across these strings.
• The transition from the 4th string (C#4) to the 3rd string (F#4) is another perfect 4th.
• However, the interval between the 3rd string (F#4) and the 2nd string (A#4) shifts to a minor 3rd (4 semitones), similar to the G-B interval in standard guitar tuning but a semitone narrower. This can open up unique melodic and harmonic possibilities, requiring slightly different fingerings for traditional chord shapes.
• The highest string (1st) is tuned to D#5, a perfect 4th above A#4.

Chordal & Riffing Potential

While not immediately yielding simple open major/minor chords due to its non-standard intervals, this tuning excels in creating heavy, resonant power chords. The presence of C# and G# across octaves (C#2, G#3, C#4) strongly implies a C#5 power chord as a fundamental resonance when played open. The contiguous perfect 4ths across strings 7-4, and 4-3, make two-finger or barred power chords exceptionally easy to execute, perfect for chugging riffs and driving rhythms. The minor 3rd interval between F#4 and A#4 adds a distinctive flavor, allowing for tighter voicings and unique melodic runs in the higher register. This tuning is ideally suited for modern metal, djent, and progressive rock genres that demand extended range, intricate riffing, and colossal low-end presence.

Open String Notes

• String 8 (Lowest): C#2
• String 7: A#2
• String 6: D#3
• String 5: G#3
• String 4: C#4
• String 3: F#4
• String 2: A#4
• String 1 (Highest): D#5

How to Tune

To achieve the "After the Burial" tuning, follow these precise string adjustments. The semitone movements are relative to an unspecified starting point, leading to the target notes below. Please exercise caution with significant tunings.

• String 8: Tune down 5 semitones to C#2. Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial change. For optimal playability and intonation, and to avoid string floppiness, consider using a heavier gauge string for this lowest string.
• String 7: Tune down 1 semitones to A#2.
• String 6: Tune down 1 semitones to D#3.
• String 5: Tune down 1 semitones to G#3.
• String 4: Tune down 1 semitones to C#4.
• String 3: Tune down 1 semitones to F#4.
• String 2: Tune down 1 semitones to A#4.
• String 1: Tune down 1 semitones to D#5.