This tuning, affectionately known as "Djent E Drop Bass", is a truly extreme low-end setup designed specifically for the heaviest of musical genres, most notably Djent, Death Metal, and other forms of progressive and experimental metal. As described, it is "THE djent tuning", pushing the boundaries of bass guitar capabilities into sub-harmonic territory.

Verbal Analysis:

This is a profoundly low tuning, with the lowest string hitting E0 – two full octaves below standard bass E. The overall feel is incredibly dark, crushing, and resonant, providing a seismic foundation for heavy riffs. The large drops across multiple strings suggest a focus on open-string chugging and massive, wall-of-sound textures. It’s a tuning built for power, sustain, and an almost physical impact on the listener. The 'Drop E' aspect indicates that the lowest string is tuned to E, with the rest following a pattern that facilitates common heavy music chord shapes.

Technical Analysis:

The tuning for this 6-string electric bass is as follows, from lowest to highest string:

• String 6: E0 (Sub-Contra E)
• String 5: B0 (Sub-Contra B)
• String 4: E1 (Contra E)
• String 3: A1 (Contra A)
• String 2: D2 (Great D)
• String 1: G2 (Great G)

Observations:

• The open strings present an E minor chord (E-B-E-A-D-G) across multiple octaves, with the lowest two strings forming a perfect fifth (E0-B0), and String 4 (E1) reinforcing the root an octave higher.
• The lowest string, E0, is extremely low, pushing the limits of audibility and requiring specialized equipment (heavy gauge strings, well-intonated extended-range bass, and powerful amplification).
• The interval from String 6 to String 5 is a perfect fifth (E0 to B0), making common "drop" power chord shapes on the lowest two strings very accessible. Simply fretting the 6th string and the 5th string two frets higher will yield a minor triad.
• The interval from String 5 to String 4 is a perfect fourth (B0 to E1).
• The intervals from String 4 to String 3 (E1 to A1), String 3 to String 2 (A1 to D2), and String 2 to String 1 (D2 to G2) are all perfect fourths, mirroring the standard E-A-D-G tuning pattern but shifted down considerably.
• The repetition of the E note (E0, E1) provides a strong harmonic anchor, ideal for resonant, open string pedal tones.
• Chords are primarily power chords and intervals. The E-B-E pattern on the lowest strings allows for very thick, low-end power chords by simply barring or using two fingers. Moving this shape up the neck will yield massive sounding riffs. The consistent fourths on the higher strings facilitate familiar bass patterns for scales and arpeggios, albeit in a much lower register.

How to Tune: Djent E Drop Bass

This tuning involves significant downward adjustments from standard tunings. Due to the extreme nature of these changes, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set specifically designed for ultra-low tunings. Professional setup is also advised to ensure proper intonation and playability.

• 6th String (Lowest): Tune down 9 semitones to reach the E0 note. (This is a substantial drop; a heavy gauge string is essential.)
• 5th String: Tune down 12 semitones to reach the B0 note. (A full octave down; a heavy gauge string is essential.)
• 4th String: Tune down 12 semitones to reach the E1 note. (A full octave down; a heavy gauge string is essential.)
• 3rd String: Tune down 12 semitones to reach the A1 note. (A full octave down; a heavy gauge string is essential.)
• 2nd String: Tune down 12 semitones to reach the D2 note. (A full octave down; a heavy gauge string is essential.)
• 1st String (Highest): Tune down 12 semitones to reach the G2 note. (A full octave down; a heavy gauge string is essential.)

Important Note on String Gauge: All string movements involve tuning down more than 4 semitones. For optimal tone, intonation, and to prevent damage to your instrument or strings, a much heavier gauge string set is strongly advised for all strings. Standard strings are not designed for such extreme low tunings and may become floppy, lose tension, and intonate poorly.