Tuning Name: 6-String Drop E1 - The Djent Machine

This tuning, aptly named '6-String Drop E1', plunges your guitar into the deepest registers, designed specifically for the heavy, rhythmic, and often polyrhythmic sounds of Djent and modern metal. Prepare for earth-shattering riffs and a truly massive low-end response. The description 'Much Djent, a lot of Djent, so much Djent' perfectly captures its intended use – it's all about that percussive, palm-muted crunch and extended range for crushing breakdowns.

Technical Analysis

Technically, this is an extremely low tuning. The lowest string is tuned to an astounding E1, which is an entire octave below standard E2 and even lower than the typical low B string on a 7-string guitar. The tuning sequence across the open strings is E1-B1-E2-A2-C4#-F4#.

Analyzing the open string intervals reveals:

• String 6 to 5 (E1 to B1): A perfect fifth (P5).
• String 5 to 4 (B1 to E2): A perfect fourth (P4).
• String 4 to 3 (E2 to A2): A perfect fourth (P4).
• String 3 to 2 (A2 to C4#): A compound major third (Major 10th). This wide interval creates unique possibilities for open voicings, adding brightness in the upper register against the deep lower strings.
• String 2 to 1 (C4# to F4#): A perfect fourth (P4).

This setup facilitates remarkably easy power chords on the lower three strings (E-B-E forms a powerful E5 chord by simply barring the lowest strings), allowing for quick, heavy riffing across a vast sonic landscape. The inclusion of C4# and F4# on the higher strings, while still low for these strings, provides a canvas for complex voicings and dissonant clusters typical of Djent. This offers a blend of ultra-deep aggression and articulate, albeit low-pitched, lead lines or chord extensions. Due to the extreme downtuning across all strings, a significantly heavier gauge string set is absolutely essential for maintaining proper tension, playability, and intonation.

Open String Notes

• The 6th String (Low E) is tuned to E1.
• The 5th String (A) is tuned to B1.
• The 4th String (D) is tuned to E2.
• The 3rd String (G) is tuned to A2.
• The 2nd String (B) is tuned to C4#.
• The 1st String (High E) is tuned to F4#.

How to Tune

When tuning to 6-String Drop E1, prepare for significant adjustments from standard tuning. It is highly recommended to use a heavy gauge string set specifically designed for extremely low tunings to prevent string breakage, maintain tension, and ensure proper intonation.

• String 6: Tune down 12 semitones to reach E1. Caution: This is a full octave drop. A significantly heavier gauge string is essential for this extreme downtuning.
• String 5: Tune down 10 semitones to reach B1. Caution: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is advised to maintain playability.
• String 4: Tune down 10 semitones to reach E2. Caution: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is advised to maintain playability.
• String 3: Tune down 10 semitones to reach A2. Caution: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is advised to maintain playability.
• String 2: Tune down 10 semitones to reach C4#. Caution: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is advised to maintain playability.
• String 1: Tune down 10 semitones to reach F4#. Caution: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is advised to maintain playability.