This formidable 8-string guitar tuning, aptly named "Double Dropped F Standard," plunges into the depths of sonic possibility, offering a dark and resonant tonal landscape. As its name suggests, it is inspired by an F Standard tuning but with significant drops on the lowest two strings and subtle adjustments across the entire instrument. This tuning is a playground for genres requiring extreme low end, such as djent, progressive metal, and doom metal, where powerful, thick rhythms and extended range are paramount.

Technical Analysis:

The open notes of this tuning are D#2, A#2, D#3, G#3, C#4, F#4, A#4, D#5, arranged from the lowest (8th) to the highest (1st) string. This tuning is characterized by a unique interval structure:

• String 8 (D#2) to String 7 (A#2): Perfect 5th (P5)
• String 7 (A#2) to String 6 (D#3): Perfect 4th (P4)
• String 6 (D#3) to String 5 (G#3): Perfect 4th (P4)
• String 5 (G#3) to String 4 (C#4): Perfect 4th (P4)
• String 4 (C#4) to String 3 (F#4): Perfect 4th (P4)
• String 3 (F#4) to String 2 (A#4): Major 3rd (M3)
• String 2 (A#4) to String 1 (D#5): Perfect 4th (P4)

The presence of D# across three octaves (D#2, D#3, D#5) makes the fundamental root of the tuning very strong. The intervals are predominantly perfect fourths, a common characteristic in modern extended-range guitar tunings, which facilitates easy fretting of power chords and scale shapes across the neck. The lone Major 3rd between the 3rd and 2nd strings (F#4 to A#4) introduces a subtle harmonic twist, allowing for more traditional chord voicings in the higher register while maintaining the aggressive fourths-based lower end.

Chordal Opportunities:

This tuning is exceptionally well-suited for heavy, driving rhythms. The lowest three strings (D#2, A#2, D#3) naturally form a powerful D#5 power chord when strummed open, providing an instant crushing low end. Barring across the lower strings will easily yield dropped-style power chords (e.g., fretting the 7th fret across strings 8, 7, and 6 will give you an A#5 power chord, reflecting the P5-P4 structure). The overall tonality leans heavily into a D# minor (or E-flat minor) sound due to the frequent D# notes and the presence of G#, C#, and F#. Experimenting with open-string drones beneath melodic lines will create thick, immersive soundscapes. Chords with roots on the 8th string will find immense depth and resonance, while the higher strings, with their P4-M3-P4 pattern, can still articulate more complex voicings or leads.

String 8: D#2 (Lowest String)
String 7: A#2
String 6: D#3
String 5: G#3
String 4: C#4
String 3: F#4
String 2: A#4
String 1: D#5 (Highest String)

How to Tune:

This tuning guide assumes you are starting from a common 'F Standard' 8-string tuning (F2 B2 E3 A3 D4 G4 B4 E5). Adjust your string gauges if necessary, especially for the significant drops.

• String 8 (Lowest): Start from F2. Tune down 3 semitones to D#2. Note: Tuning down 3 semitones is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string may be advisable for optimal tension and tone, as this exceeds a 4-semitone threshold.
• String 7: Start from B2. Tune down 1 semitone to A#2.
• String 6: Start from E3. Tune down 1 semitone to D#3.
• String 5: Start from A3. Tune down 1 semitone to G#3.
• String 4: Start from D4. Tune down 1 semitone to C#4.
• String 3: Start from G4. Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• String 2: Start from B4. Tune down 1 semitone to A#4.
• String 1 (Highest): Start from E5. Tune down 1 semitone to D#5.