Verbal Analysis

This intriguing tuning, aptly named "Double Drop D + Drop G," plunges your guitar into extremely low registers, requiring a 30-inch baritone guitar to handle the immense slack and maintain playability. It's explicitly stated to be heavily inspired by Northlane's Alien album, known for its heavy, atmospheric, and technically precise soundscapes. The tuning D1 G1 D2 G2 C3 E3 suggests a sonic palette geared towards crushing, resonant riffs and complex, dissonant harmonies, typical of modern progressive metal and djent genres. The low D and G notes provide an incredibly deep foundation, perfect for extended-range riffing and creating a wall of sound.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are D1 G1 D2 G2 C3 E3, from lowest to highest. Let's break down the intervals and potential harmonic implications:

• String 6 (D1) & String 5 (G1): A perfect fourth interval, creating a very deep, resonant power chord foundation (D and G).
• String 5 (G1) & String 4 (D2): A perfect fifth interval, further solidifying the D-G power chord structure.
• String 4 (D2) & String 3 (G2): Another perfect fourth, essentially doubling the D-G pattern an octave higher.
• String 3 (G2) & String 2 (C3): A perfect fourth.
• String 2 (C3) & String 1 (E3): A major third.

The lowest four strings (D-G-D-G) form a powerful Dsus4-like structure across two octaves. This is ideal for heavy, chugging riffs where emphasis is on the root and suspended fourth. The higher strings, C3 and E3, add a C major triad (second inversion) on top of this D-G drone. When all strings are strummed open, the combination of D, G, C, E creates a complex harmony, potentially a Dsus4(add9, b7) or a Gsus2/D (G C D E). This isn't a simple major or minor chord, but rather a rich, somewhat dissonant cluster designed for specific voice leading or melodic lines rather than conventional open strumming. The consistent intervals of fourths on the lower strings also make power chords easily accessible with a single-finger barre.

Due to the extreme low notes, particularly D1 and G1, a 30-inch baritone guitar is not just recommended but essential. This longer scale length is necessary to maintain adequate string tension and intonation, preventing the strings from becoming too flabby and ensuring clear, articulate notes.

How to Tune 'Double Drop D + Drop G'

This tuning involves significant adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Due to the extreme nature of these tunings, particularly for strings requiring movements of more than 4 semitones up or down, it is highly recommended to use a different gauge string set specifically designed for baritone and low tunings. Tuning beyond 4 semitones can damage strings or put excessive tension on your guitar neck. Always tune slowly and carefully.

• String 6 (Low E): To achieve D1, tune down 9 semitones.
• String 5 (A): To achieve G1, tune down 9 semitones.
• String 4 (D): To achieve D2, tune down 12 semitones (one full octave).
• String 3 (G): To achieve G2, tune down 12 semitones (one full octave).
• String 2 (B): To achieve C3, tune down 11 semitones.
• String 1 (High e): To achieve E3, tune down 12 semitones (one full octave).