The Drop E Tuning is an incredibly deep and heavy guitar tuning, often chosen by players seeking a massive low-end sound, particularly prevalent in extreme metal genres. As described, it's akin to a standard 8-string guitar tuning but without the highest 'E' string, offering a brutal sonic landscape for heavy riffs and expansive textures.

Technical Analysis

This 7-string tuning sets the open notes to E1, B1, E2, A2, D3, G3, B3. The foundation is a thunderous E1, the lowest practical note on a typical guitar, pushing the boundaries of what is conventionally played. Examining the intervals:

• The lowest three strings (E1, B1, E2) immediately form a powerful open E5 power chord. This provides an instant, resonant foundation for heavy riffing.
• From the 5th string (E2) upwards to the 2nd string (G3), the intervals are primarily perfect fourths (E2-A2, A2-D3, D3-G3), mirroring the lower strings of standard guitar tuning.
• The top two strings (G3-B3) form a major third, consistent with the top end of standard tuning.

This configuration allows for extremely easy access to one-finger power chords on the lowest strings, where simply barring across the E1, B1, E2 (and even A2) strings creates enormous, resonant chords. Familiar chord shapes from standard tuning can be adapted on the higher strings (A2, D3, G3, B3), though they will sound significantly lower due to the overall drop in pitch.

How to Tune

To achieve Drop E Tuning from a standard 7-string tuning (B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), you will need to detune every string considerably. Due to the significant drop in tension for most strings, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set specifically designed for extremely low tunings to ensure proper intonation, playability, and to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument.

• String 7 (Lowest String): Tune down 7 semitones from B1 to E1. This is a substantial drop, making a heavier gauge string almost essential.
• String 6: Tune down 5 semitones from E2 to B1. This is a perfect fourth down; a heavier gauge is advised.
• String 5: Tune down 5 semitones from A2 to E2. This is a perfect fourth down; a heavier gauge is advised.
• String 4: Tune down 5 semitones from D3 to A2. This is a perfect fourth down; a heavier gauge is advised.
• String 3: Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. This is a perfect fourth down; a heavier gauge is advised.
• String 2: Tune down 4 semitones from B3 to G3. This is a major third down; a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended to maintain tension.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune down 5 semitones from E4 to B3. This is a perfect fourth down; a heavier gauge is advised.

Important Note: Any string movement exceeding 4 semitones (up or down) generally warrants a different gauge string to prevent potential intonation issues, excessive string floppiness, or undue tension on your instrument's neck. All strings in this tuning exceed or meet this threshold for detuning, making a specialized string set crucial for optimal performance.

String 7 (Lowest String): E1 - Tuned to E in the first octave, this is an exceptionally low note, providing a deep, resonant foundation.

String 6: B1 - Tuned to B in the first octave, it forms a perfect fourth interval with the 7th string and a powerful open E5 chord with the two lowest E strings.

String 5: E2 - Tuned to E in the second octave, completing the foundational open E5 power chord (E1-B1-E2).

String 4: A2 - Tuned to A in the second octave, continuing the pattern of mostly perfect fourths upwards.

String 3: D3 - Tuned to D in the third octave, maintaining familiar intervals from standard tuning.

String 2: G3 - Tuned to G in the third octave, forming a perfect fourth with the 3rd string.

String 1 (Highest String): B3 - Tuned to B in the third octave, completing the tuning with a major third interval from the G string, similar to the top of standard tuning.