Description

The 'Hell Below' tuning is a formidable 8-string guitar setup, famously utilized by Periphery for their track 'Hell Below.' As noted in its description, it's essentially an 8-string extension or interpretation of tunings like Zyglrox/AGCFAD, designed to unlock extreme low-end capabilities and a vast harmonic palette. This tuning is ideal for genres like progressive metal, djent, and any style requiring expansive range and heavy, articulate riffing.

Technical Analysis

• The open string notes from lowest to highest are: C#2 B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4.
• This tuning builds upon a standard B-standard 7-string setup (B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4) by extending an additional string down to a very low C#2.
• The six highest strings (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4) precisely match a standard EADGBE six-string guitar tuning. This remarkable feature means that all familiar chord shapes, scales, and lead patterns from standard tuning are directly transferable to this section of the guitar, providing immediate playability and versatility within the extended range.
• The interval structure across the lower strings is particularly noteworthy:
  • String 8 (C#2) to String 7 (B1): A Major 7th up (or a minor 2nd down), creating a very tight, often dissonant interval that lends itself to crushing low-end textures.
  • Strings 7 (B1) to 6 (E2): A Perfect 4th.
  • Strings 6 (E2) to 5 (A2): A Perfect 4th.
  • Strings 5 (A2) to 4 (D3): A Perfect 4th.
  • Strings 4 (D3) to 3 (G3): A Perfect 4th.
  • Strings 3 (G3) to 2 (B3): A Major 3rd.
  • Strings 2 (B3) to 1 (E4): A Perfect 4th.

Open Chords and Playability

• While the open strings C# B E A D G B E do not immediately form a simple major or minor chord, the tuning provides a powerful sonic foundation. The B-E-A-D-G segment (strings 7-3) is perfectly structured for easy power chord shapes with the root on string 7.
• The direct correspondence to standard EADGBE on strings 6-1 means that all common 6-string chord voicings (open chords, barre chords, scales) are directly accessible, offering immense familiarity for players accustomed to standard tuning.
• The lowest C# string can be used as a deep resonant pedal tone, or integrated into complex riffs, providing unparalleled depth for heavy breakdowns and intricate low-string melodies. The proximity of C# and B on the two lowest strings allows for very tight, dissonant, or resolved two-note intervals, characteristic of modern heavy music.
• This tuning emphasizes extended range riffing and single-note lines over traditional open chord strumming, catering to precision and rhythmic complexity in the low registers.

How to Tune

When adjusting string tension, especially for significant tuning changes, be mindful of your string gauge. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different gauge string is advisable to maintain optimal playability and string longevity. Please follow the instructions below:

• String 8 (C#2): Tune down 5 semitones.
• String 7 (B1): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 6 (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).