Tuning Analysis: Extended A# Drop-E for 8-String Guitar

Verbal Description

The 'Extended A# Drop-E' tuning for an 8-string guitar plunges your instrument into an exceptionally deep and dark sonic territory. As the original description suggests, all strings are tuned down by a half step, effectively putting the core of your guitar into A# Standard. However, the lowest 8th string receives an additional drop, falling a full step from its anticipated position to a thundering E1. This creates a colossal low-end foundation, perfect for genres like modern metal, djent, and progressive rock where a massive, guttural sound is paramount. The general half-step shift gives everything a heavier, more resonant feel, while the extreme drop on the 8th string introduces a potent dissonance and an almost subterranean growl that can be both menacing and awe-inspiring.

Technical Analysis

This 8-string tuning presents the following open notes from lowest to highest: E1, A#2, D#3, G#3, C#4, F#4, A#4, D#5. At its core, strings 7 through 1 (A#2 to D#5) reflect a standard A# tuning, which is a half-step down from B Standard for a 7-string (B E A D G B E, shifted to A# D# G# C# F# A# D#) with an additional high string. The intervals for these upper 7 strings are mostly perfect fourths, with a major third between the 4th and 3rd strings (F#4 to A#4). This makes familiar power chord shapes on the lower strings (7th through 5th) easily transferable. The truly distinctive element is the 8th string, E1. Its relationship to the 7th string (A#2) forms an Augmented 4th (a tritone), an inherently dissonant interval that can be powerfully exploited for heavy, unsettling riffs or sustained, rumbling drones. This vast interval between the two lowest strings means that conventional chord voicings will be significantly altered, pushing players towards open string dissonances or single-note lines on the deepest E1.

Chords and Playability

While traditional open chords are largely unavailable or radically transformed in this tuning, its strength lies in facilitating heavy, modern chord voicings. The A# Standard section (strings 7-1) allows for easy one-finger power chords across the lowest four or five strings if they maintain a perfect fourth relationship. For example, barring across strings A#2, D#3, G#3, C#4 at any fret will yield robust power chords. The immense E1 string is best utilized for single-note chugging, massive open-string bass notes that underpin the rest of the tuning, or to create extreme low-end dissonance with the adjacent A#2. Players will find this tuning particularly effective for palm-muted riffs, djent-style syncopated rhythms, and creating thick, layered soundscapes where the low E1 serves as an anchor or a source of sonic tension. Experiment with open string clusters involving the E1 and A#2 for a truly unique and heavy sound.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Extended A# Drop-E' tuning from a standard 8-string setup, carefully follow these string movements. Remember that large semitone movements, especially upwards, can put significant strain on your strings and neck, so proceed with caution. For drops exceeding 4 semitones, a different string gauge is highly recommended to maintain optimal tension and tone.

• String 8: Tune down 2 semitones. This is a considerable drop; consider using a heavier gauge string for the best results in tension and tone.
• String 7: Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 6: Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 5: Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 4: Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 3: Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 2: Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 1: Tune down 1 semitone.

String 8: E1 - The lowest string, tuned to E in the first octave, providing an incredibly deep foundation.

String 7: A2# - Tuned to A sharp in the second octave.

String 6: D3# - Tuned to D sharp in the third octave.

String 5: G3# - Tuned to G sharp in the third octave.

String 4: C4# - Tuned to C sharp in the fourth octave.

String 3: F4# - Tuned to F sharp in the fourth octave.

String 2: A4# - Tuned to A sharp in the fourth octave.

String 1: D5# - The highest string, tuned to D sharp in the fifth octave.