Tuning Analysis: Triple Drop-D

The "Triple Drop-D" tuning for an 8-string guitar is a profoundly deep and resonant tuning designed to expand the harmonic possibilities of the traditional Drop-D configuration. It pushes the boundaries of low-end sonics, primarily centered around the note D across multiple octaves.

Verbal and Technical Observations

This tuning transforms the lower register of an 8-string guitar into a powerhouse of deep resonance. The lowest three strings (8th, 7th, and 6th) are tuned to D1, A1, and D2 respectively. This immediately establishes a powerful D5 (D-A-D) chord, a full two octaves below the standard Drop-D's lowest D. This creates a massive sonic foundation, ideal for very heavy genres like djent, doom metal, or experimental ambient soundscapes where deep drones and resonant harmonies are key.

The open tuning D1-A1-D2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4 maintains a strong relationship with D, particularly across the lowest five strings (D-A-D-A-D), which forms an expansive D5 power chord. This arrangement makes it incredibly easy to execute powerful, thick-sounding riffs by simply barring across these lower strings. The tuning description hints at "options to drop down another octave, or create resonances an octave down by hitting D1 or A1 and harmonizing on the normal “Drop-D” strings," which perfectly aligns with the extreme low tuning of D1 and A1.

While not a simple open major or minor chord, the tuning provides a powerful set of intervallic relationships:

• D5 Power Chord Foundation: The strings D1-A1-D2-A2-D3 provide a massive open D5 power chord. Simply strumming these five strings yields an incredibly thick and resonant low D.
• Accessible Power Chords: Due to the D-A-D pattern on the lowest three strings (8, 7, 6), power chords are highly accessible and easily shifted across the fretboard. For example, a root-5th-root power chord can be played simply by fretting the 8th and 6th strings at the same fret.
• Standard Guitar Harmony: The upper three strings (G3-B3-E4) retain their standard tuning relative to a 6-string guitar's upper register. This means familiar chord shapes and lead lines remain available in this higher range, offering a contrast to the extremely low bass.
• Harmonic Potential: The extreme low D1 and A1 can serve as deep drone notes, allowing for rich harmonic interplay with the higher register D's (D2, D3) and the G, B, E strings, creating complex sonic textures.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Triple Drop-D" tuning, follow these precise string adjustments from a standard 8-string tuning (typically E1-B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4, though your specific standard may vary slightly):

• String 8 (Lowest): Tune down 4 semitones to D1. Warning: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.
• String 7: Tune down 2 semitones to A1.
• String 6: Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 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): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

String 8: D1 (Lowest string, very deep bass)

String 7: A1 (An octave below standard A2)

String 6: D2 (Matches the 'Drop-D' lowest string, but a full octave lower than standard E2)

String 5: A2 (Standard A string on a 6-string guitar)

String 4: D3 (Standard D string on a 6-string guitar)

String 3: G3 (Standard G string on a 6-string guitar)

String 2: B3 (Standard B string on a 6-string guitar)

String 1: E4 (Highest string, standard E string on a 6-string guitar)