Tuning Overview: Double Drop D# (Double Drop Eb)

The "Double Drop D# (Double Drop Eb)" tuning is an audacious and extremely low-pitched configuration designed to push the boundaries of a standard 6-string guitar. As the description notes, it's presented as a "cheat way" to achieve voicings typically found on 8-string instruments, requiring significant modifications to string gauge, ideally involving a baritone guitar or super heavy strings to maintain playable tension and intonation.

Technical Analysis

• Open String Notes: The tuning settles on the notes D#2 D#3 G#3 C#4 F3 A#4 (or Eb2 Eb3 Ab3 Db4 F3 Bb4).
• "Double Drop" Mechanism: The "Double Drop" nomenclature refers to the lowest two strings being tuned to D# (Eb) an octave apart (D#2 and D#3), providing a massive, unified low-end foundation.
• Lower String Pattern: The 5th (D#3), 4th (G#3), and 3rd (C#4) strings are tuned in perfect fourths (D#-G#-C#), which is highly conducive to forming familiar power chord shapes and heavy riffs on these strings. For example, barring the 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings at any fret will yield a root-fifth-octave power chord structure.
• Unique Higher String Configuration: A critical and highly unusual aspect of this tuning is the relationship between the 3rd (C#4) and 2nd (F3) strings. The 2nd string (F3) is pitched lower than the 3rd string (C#4). This inverted interval (a diminished fourth, or 3 semitones down relative to C#4) will fundamentally alter conventional chord shapes and scale patterns, requiring a completely fresh approach to playing across these strings.
• Highest String Interval: The jump from the 2nd string (F3) to the 1st string (A#4) is a significant interval, specifically a major 10th (octave plus a major third). This wide gap further emphasizes the non-standard nature of the upper register.

Playability and Musicality

This tuning is clearly geared towards extreme low-end sonic landscapes. The open D# octave on the two lowest strings, followed by perfect fourths, makes it ideal for incredibly heavy, resonant power chords and riffing. Genres like modern metal, djent, doom, or experimental music that require deeply guttural tones will find this tuning particularly appealing. However, the inverted 2nd string introduces a unique challenge and opportunity. Standard chord voicings will be largely unusable across the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings without significant re-learning. Instead, players might explore dissonant open string voicings, specific melodic patterns that account for the inverted string, or focus on two-string intervals and single-note lines on the higher strings.

How to Tune

To achieve the Double Drop D# (Double Drop Eb) tuning, adjust your strings as follows. The movements described below are based on the provided tuning instructions, with the target notes as specified.

Important String Gauge Warning: Tuning a string down by more than 4 semitones or up by more than 4 semitones on a standard gauge string is generally not advised. Such extreme changes can lead to string breakage, poor intonation, and potential damage to your instrument. For this tuning, using a baritone guitar or super heavy gauge strings is highly recommended, especially given the extensive downward movements.

• 6th String: Tune down 13 semitones to D#2 (Eb2). Caution: This is a massive drop; a different gauge string is strongly advised.
• 5th String: Tune down 6 semitones to D#3 (Eb3). Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is significant; a heavier gauge string is recommended.
• 4th String: Tune down 6 semitones to G#3 (Ab3). Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is significant; a heavier gauge string is recommended.
• 3rd String: Tune down 6 semitones to C#4 (Db4). Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is significant; a heavier gauge string is recommended.
• 2nd String: Tune down 6 semitones to F3. Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is significant; a heavier gauge string is recommended.
• 1st String: Tune down 6 semitones to A#4 (Bb4). Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is significant; a heavier gauge string is recommended.

String 6 (Lowest): D#2 (Eb2) - Tuned to a very low D# in the 2nd octave.

String 5: D#3 (Eb3) - Tuned to D# in the 3rd octave, a perfect octave above the 6th string.

String 4: G#3 (Ab3) - Tuned to G# in the 3rd octave, a perfect fourth above the 5th string.

String 3: C#4 (Db4) - Tuned to C# in the 4th octave, a perfect fourth above the 4th string.

String 2: F3 - Tuned to F in the 3rd octave, notably lower than the 3rd string (C#4).

String 1 (Highest): A#4 (Bb4) - Tuned to A# in the 4th octave, a major 10th (octave plus major third) above the 2nd string.