The "Childchewer 8-String Low D#" tuning is an incredibly deep and heavy setup designed for extended-range guitars, specifically an 8-string instrument. Inspired by extreme metal genres, particularly deathcore as hinted by the original description, this tuning cultivates a dark, oppressive, and often dissonant soundscape. Its arrangement of notes creates a foundation for crushing low-end riffs and intricate, often unsettling, harmonic textures.

Technical Analysis

This 8-string tuning is set to D#2 - G#2 - E2 - D#3 - G#3 - C#4 - G#4 - C#5, from the lowest (8th) to the highest (1st) string. A notable characteristic is the significant deviation from standard intervals, particularly the 6th string which is tuned to E2, creating a large, almost jarring, leap from the 7th string (G#2) and an unusual interval relationship with the 5th string (D#3). This E2 stands out amidst the general theme of D#s, G#s, and C#s, which otherwise suggest a strong emphasis on C# power chords with additional lower extensions.

• The three highest strings (1st, 2nd, 3rd) form a C# - G# - C# pattern, providing easy access to root-fifth-root power chords in C# octave.
• The 4th and 5th strings (G#3 and D#3) extend this by offering a perfect fifth interval, allowing for thick G# and D# power chords, and reinforcing the low-mid range.
• The 8th, 7th, and 5th strings (D#2, G#2, D#3) are perfect fourths and fifths of each other (D# - G# - D# an octave up), creating a very strong low D# foundation.
• The presence of the E2 on the 6th string, flanked by G#2 and D#3, creates dissonant intervals (e.g., a major third between G#2 and E2, and a minor seventh between E2 and D#3), which can be exploited for highly aggressive and unconventional chord voicings or single-note riffs. Open power chords around D# and G# are readily available, but the E2 string offers unique opportunities for dissonant or unexpected voicings.

Overall, this tuning is highly suitable for genres demanding extreme low-end weight, intricate technical riffs with wide string skips, and a generally brutal, uncompromising sound. The wide array of perfect fourths and fifths, combined with the distinctive E2 string, provides both harmonic power and the potential for stark, cutting dissonance.

How to Tune

Please note that significant string tension changes are involved. For optimal playability and intonation, especially with drops exceeding 4 semitones, a heavier gauge string set is highly recommended for the affected strings. If your guitar is typically set up for higher tunings, a professional setup may also be beneficial.

• String 8 (Lowest D#2): Tune down 3 semitones to D#2.
• String 7 (G#2): Tune down 3 semitones to G#2.
• String 6 (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E2. (Note: If your guitar's 6th string is typically E3 in its default tuning, this implies a full octave drop to E2. This would necessitate an extremely heavy gauge string or a guitar specifically designed for such low tunings for this position.)
• String 5 (D#3): Tune down 6 semitones to D#3. (Heavier gauge string advised)
• String 4 (G#3): Tune down 6 semitones to G#3. (Heavier gauge string advised)
• String 3 (C#4): Tune down 6 semitones to C#4. (Heavier gauge string advised)
• String 2 (G#4): Tune down 3 semitones to G#4.
• String 1 (Highest C#5): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.

The notes for this 8-string tuning, from the thickest (8th) to the thinnest (1st) string, are as follows:

• 8th String: D#2
• 7th String: G#2
• 6th String: E2
• 5th String: D#3
• 4th String: G#3
• 3rd String: C#4
• 2nd String: G#4
• 1st String: C#5