Tuning Analysis: An Experimental 8-String Soundscape

This is an incredibly unique and experimental 8-string tuning, clearly designed for exploration in the extreme low-end and wide melodic ranges. Its origins, noted as "Drop F# 7 String (2021 Erra) Converted? to 8 String?", hint at a foundation in very heavy, extended-range styles like djent or progressive metal. Yet, it diverges significantly from conventional tunings, perfectly embodying the spirit of its "Experimentation" description.

The lower four strings establish a powerful, repeating C# and F# pattern, delivering immense sonic weight. This section of the tuning provides a deep, resonant foundation, ideal for crushing riffs and heavy power chords. However, the subsequent dramatic octave drop on the 4th string (to B2) and the significant octave jump on the 2nd string (to G#4) create highly unconventional intervals, suggesting a deliberate departure from standard voicings. This makes it a tuning for the adventurous player seeking to break new ground and craft truly unique soundscapes.

Technical Breakdown:

• Open Notes: C#2, F#2, C#3, F#3, B2, E3, G#4, C#5.
• Interval Analysis:
  • String 8 (C#2) to String 7 (F#2): Perfect 4th
  • String 7 (F#2) to String 6 (C#3): Perfect 4th
  • String 6 (C#3) to String 5 (F#3): Perfect 4th
  • String 5 (F#3) to String 4 (B2): A significant drop of 8 semitones (Diminished 6th downwards). This creates a very wide, unconventional gap, requiring a different approach to fretboard navigation across this boundary.
  • String 4 (B2) to String 3 (E3): Perfect 4th
  • String 3 (E3) to String 2 (G#4): A massive jump of 15 semitones (Major 3rd + Octave). This is a highly unusual interval, creating a distinct sonic separation and allowing for very wide voicings or melodic jumps.
  • String 2 (G#4) to String 1 (C#5): Perfect 4th
• Chordal Implications & Playability:
  • The lowest four strings (C#2, F#2, C#3, F#3) naturally form a dense, resonant C#sus4 or C#5 voicing (C#-F#-C#-F#), with F# serving as a strong bass tone. Power chords and complex low-end riffs are easily accessible by barring across these strings.
  • The open highest two strings (C#5 and G#4) present an inverted C# power chord, offering a bright and articulate upper register that contrasts with the deep low-end.
  • Due to the unique interval jumps on strings 4 and 2, traditional chord shapes will require significant adaptation and experimentation. This, however, is a strength for players seeking to develop a unique voice, as it opens up possibilities for fresh, dissonant, or unexpectedly rich voicings not typically found in more standard tunings. The wide range from C#2 to C#5 spans three full octaves, providing an expansive canvas for both extreme low-end aggression and soaring melodic phrases.

Open String Notes:

String 8 (Lowest): C#2
String 7: F#2
String 6: C#3
String 5: F#3
String 4: B2
String 3: E3
String 2: G#4
String 1 (Highest): C#5

How to Tune:

Please note the advised string gauge considerations for significant tuning changes.

• String 8: Tune down 5 semitones to C#2.
  Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension and tone.
• String 7: Tune down 5 semitones to F#2.
  Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension and tone.
• String 6: Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
  Take care when adjusting tension.
• String 5: Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
  Take care when adjusting tension.
• String 4: Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
  Take care when adjusting tension.
• String 3: Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
  Take care when adjusting tension.
• String 2: Tune down 3 semitones to G#4.
  Take care when adjusting tension.
• String 1: Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.
  Take care when adjusting tension.