Verbal Analysis:

This unique and deeply resonant tuning, affectionately dubbed "Ria's Custom Drop F" by its creator, Ria, plunges the guitar's lower register into unusually low and sonically rich territory. It crafts a distinct sonic landscape that is both heavy and atmospheric. The extreme drop on the 4th string is particularly striking, creating a very open and potentially dark, brooding character, pushing the boundaries of conventional guitar tunings and offering a platform for truly distinctive sounds.

Technical Analysis:

From the lowest to highest string, this tuning is set to D2-A2-F2-G3-B3-E4. Comparing this to standard EADGBe, several strings are significantly altered:

• The 6th string (Low E) is tuned down two semitones to D2, providing a deep, foundational bass note reminiscent of Drop D tunings but an octave lower.
• The 5th string (A) remains at its standard A2 pitch.
• The 4th string (D) undergoes the most dramatic alteration, dropping a substantial nine semitones from D3 to F2. This is the defining characteristic of the tuning and creates a very loose string tension on a standard gauge string, making it essential to consider string gauge for optimal performance.
• The 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings remain at their standard pitches: G3, B3, and E4 respectively.

This combination results in a unique harmonic structure. The lowest three strings (D2-A2-F2) open up to a powerful D minor triad (Root, Perfect 5th, Minor 3rd) when played open, establishing a clear D minor tonality. This provides a strong, dark foundation for chord progressions and riffs. Alternatively, for those exploring different voicings, this D2-A2-F2 configuration could also be perceived as an F major chord in second inversion. The standard upper strings allow guitarists to utilize familiar chord shapes and melodic patterns on the higher register, which will then interact in interesting ways with the deep, custom bass provided by Ria's unique lower string choices.

Tuning Notes:

• 6th String (Low E): D2
• 5th String (A): A2
• 4th String (D): F2
• 3rd String (G): G3
• 2nd String (B): B3
• 1st String (High E): E4

How to Tune:

• 6th String (Low E - E2): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A - A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (D - D3): Tune down 9 semitones to F2. Important Note: Tuning down 9 semitones is a very significant change. For optimal performance, tension, and intonation, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string for this position. Tuning a standard D string this far down may result in it being extremely loose, prone to buzzing, and difficult to keep in tune.
• 3rd String (G - G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• 2nd String (B - B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• 1st String (High E - E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.