Verbal Analysis

This is an exceptionally deep and resonant tuning crafted for a 9-string bass. As its original description, "test to see how low i can go in this and still have a coherent set," aptly suggests, it plunges the instrument into sub-sonic territories, creating an immense foundation for incredibly heavy, dark, and atmospheric music. The extreme drop in pitch across all strings results in a sound that is thick, sludgy, and capable of producing powerful, drone-like textures. It's a tuning designed for genres demanding unparalleled low-end weight and sonic depth, pushing the boundaries of what a bass can achieve.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to C1#, G1#, A1#, F1, A2#, F2, G3#, A3#, F3. The lowest note in this tuning is C1# (approximately 34.6 Hz), placing it firmly in the ultra-low frequency spectrum. Harmonically, the open strings center around the notes A#, C#, F, and G#. When strummed open, these notes collectively form an A# minor 7 flat 5 chord (A#m7b5), also known as A# half-diminished. This provides a naturally dark, unstable, yet harmonically rich foundation. Specifically, String 7 (A1#) provides the root, String 9 (C1#) the minor third, String 6 (F1) the diminished fifth, and String 8 (G1#) the minor seventh of this chord. These core chord tones are then layered and repeated across multiple octaves on other strings (A# on Strings 7, 5, 2; F on Strings 6, 4, 1; G# on Strings 8, 3), contributing significantly to the tuning's immense depth and sustain. This setup makes complex minor-key harmonies with a strong diminished quality readily available. Power chords built around A# or C# will possess an extraordinarily thick and heavy sonic character, while the wide intervallic spacing between strings encourages experimental, ambient, or heavy riffing.

Important Note on String Gauges: Given that all strings are tuned down by an extreme margin (between 9 and 13 semitones), standard string sets will likely be far too loose to maintain playability or intonation. It is highly recommended to use significantly heavier gauge strings specifically designed for extreme drop tunings to achieve proper tension and tone. Failure to do so may result in buzzing, poor sustain, and potential damage to the instrument.

Tuning Notes (Lowest to Highest String)

• String 9: C1#
• String 8: G1#
• String 7: A1#
• String 6: F1
• String 5: A2#
• String 4: F2
• String 3: G3#
• String 2: A3#
• String 1: F3

How to Tune

Caution: All strings in this tuning are significantly lowered. Tuning down more than 4 semitones from a standard pitch usually requires a heavier gauge string to maintain proper tension and intonation. For this tuning, all strings require such a change, with some movements being exceptionally large.

• String 9: Tune down 12 semitones to C1#. (Recommended: Very heavy gauge string)
• String 8: Tune down 10 semitones to G1#. (Recommended: Very heavy gauge string)
• String 7: Tune down 13 semitones to A1#. (Recommended: Extremely heavy gauge string)
• String 6: Tune down 11 semitones to F1. (Recommended: Very heavy gauge string)
• String 5: Tune down 11 semitones to A2#. (Recommended: Very heavy gauge string)
• String 4: Tune down 9 semitones to F2. (Recommended: Heavy gauge string)
• String 3: Tune down 11 semitones to G3#. (Recommended: Very heavy gauge string)
• String 2: Tune down 13 semitones to A3#. (Recommended: Extremely heavy gauge string)
• String 1: Tune down 11 semitones to F3. (Recommended: Very heavy gauge string)