Verbal Description

This is an 8-string guitar tuning that profoundly extends the low end of a standard E-A-D-G-B-E setup. While the upper six strings maintain the familiar E Standard pitch (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), providing immediate comfort for existing chord shapes and scales, the real character of this tuning emerges from its lowest two strings. The 7th string drops to A1, and the 8th string plunges even further to D1, creating a rich, resonant, and exceptionally deep bass foundation. This tuning is ideal for genres demanding a heavy, extended range, such as metal, djent, or experimental music, offering unparalleled low-end power for riffs and atmospheric textures. It facilitates massive, open power chords and a darker sonic palette.

Technical Analysis

The tuning is D1-A1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4.

String Intervals (from low to high):

• String 8 (D1) to String 7 (A1): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• String 7 (A1) to String 6 (E2): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• String 6 (E2) to String 5 (A2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (D3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (G3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (B3): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
• String 2 (B3) to String 1 (E4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)

This arrangement results in a unique blend of 5ths and 4ths, with the familiar G-B major third on strings 3 and 2. The significant drop on the lowest two strings provides a vastly expanded low register compared to typical 8-string tunings, allowing for incredibly deep voicings.

Open String Chords & Harmonic Implications

• D5 Power Chord: The open 8th and 7th strings (D1-A1) form a robust D5 power chord, providing a powerful root and fifth foundation.
• A5 Power Chord: The open 7th and 6th strings (A1-E2) form an A5 power chord, offering another strong bass fundamental.
• Open Power Chords: The deep D1-A1-E2-A2 configuration on the lowest four strings allows for easily accessible, massive power chords by barring across these strings. For instance, barring the 8th, 7th, and 6th strings at the 3rd fret yields an F5 power chord (F1-C2-F2).
• Complex Open Voicings: A full open strum of all 8 strings (D1 A1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4) creates a complex voicing containing D, A, E, G, and B. This could be interpreted as a heavily suspended or extended chord (e.g., a Dadd9sus4 with a low E, or an Emadd4/9 with a low D), but its primary utility often lies in individual string playing, deep power chords, and riffing rather than a simple, clear open chord.

The extended low range is particularly effective for heavy riffs, providing a massive sound for chugging and palm-muted techniques, while the standard upper strings ensure familiar lead and rhythm playing remains intact.

Tuning Notes

• String 8: D1
• String 7: A1
• String 6: E2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: E4

How to Tune (from F# B E A D G B E 8-string Standard)

• String 8 (D1): Tune down 4 semitones from F#1. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension, intonation, and tone, as a standard string might become too slack.
• String 7 (A1): Tune down 2 semitones from B1.
• String 6 (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E2.
• String 5 (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from A2.
• String 4 (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from D3.
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G3.
• String 2 (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3.
• String 1 (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4.