Verbal Analysis

The Deep Drop 8-String tuning plunges your instrument into an abyss of rich, heavy tones, perfect for modern metal, djent, and progressive rock. It expands upon the familiar "Drop" concept by applying it to the lowest three strings of an 8-string guitar, creating a massive low-end foundation while retaining the playability of standard tuning for the higher strings. This tuning offers an incredibly powerful and resonant sound, making it effortless to craft thick, thundering riffs and complex low-register passages.

Imagine a wall of sound where power chords are just a single finger away on the lowest strings, unleashing guttural roars and crushing impact. Despite its extreme low end, the top five strings remain in their standard intervals, ensuring that familiar chord shapes, scales, and lead lines are readily accessible, providing a balanced and versatile sonic landscape for both rhythm and lead playing.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the open strings to E1-A1-D2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4. The defining characteristic is the whole-step drop for the lowest three strings (8th, 7th, and 6th), which are tuned to E1, A1, and D2 respectively. This mirrors the 'Drop D' principle but extends it to the lower registers of an 8-string guitar, where a standard tuning for an 8-string might typically begin F#1-B1-E2. The remaining five strings (5th to 1st) maintain standard guitar tuning intervals (A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), making the upper register highly familiar.

Open Chords & Power Chords:

• One-Finger Power Chords: A significant advantage is the ability to create powerful, resonant two- and three-note power chords with just one finger across the lowest three strings (E1-A1-D2). For example, barring any fret on strings 8, 7, and 6 will yield a root-5th-octave power chord (e.g., 3rd fret: G2-D2-G3).
• Open D5: While not a full open chord, the D2-A2-D3 combination (strings 6, 5, 4) allows for a resonant open D5 power chord.
• Upper Register Familiarity: The top five strings (A2-D3-G3-B3-E4) are tuned to the same intervals as the middle five strings of a standard 6-string guitar. This means all your standard A minor, D major, G major, C major, E minor chord shapes and scale patterns translate directly to this upper section.

Reach & Playability:

The overall tuning fosters extreme ease in playing heavy, low-end riffs. The dropped lowest strings make it incredibly simple to create powerful, chugging rhythms. Simultaneously, the standard upper register allows for intricate lead work and arpeggios without needing to relearn fingerings. This blend offers both brutal power and versatile melodic potential, making it a favorite for modern progressive and heavy music styles.

How to Tune: Deep Drop 8-String

To achieve the Deep Drop 8-String tuning, you will adjust your strings from a standard 8-string setup (typically F#1-B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4). Pay close attention to the movements, especially the significant drops on the lowest strings.

• String 8 (Lowest E)

  Original note typically F#1, target note E1. Tune down 2 semitones. (This is a whole step down from F#1, resulting in E1).

• String 7 (Lowest A)

  Original note typically B1, target note A1. Tune down 2 semitones. (This is a whole step down from B1, resulting in A1).

• String 6 (Low D)

  Original note typically E2, target note D2. Tune down 2 semitones. (This is a whole step down from E2, resulting in D2).

• String 5 (A)

  Original note typically A2, target note A2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

• String 4 (D)

  Original note typically D3, target note D3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

• String 3 (G)

  Original note typically G3, target note G3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

• String 2 (B)

  Original note typically B3, target note B3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

• String 1 (Highest E)

  Original note typically E4, target note E4. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Note on String Gauge: The drops for strings 8, 7, and 6 are relatively minor (2 semitones down each), so a change in string gauge is generally not required if you are starting from a standard 8-string set designed for its tuning. However, if you experience excessive floppiness, consider slightly heavier gauges for these lower strings for optimal tension and tone.