The tuning known as "hlb tuning" is the signature setup for the band Humanity's Last Breath. This is an incredibly low and heavy tuning, designed for massive impact and an expansive sonic palette.

Verbal Analysis:

This tuning is a beast, diving deep into sub-octave territories to deliver a crushing, resonant foundation. The initial four strings (E1-B1-E2-A2) create an immense, dark drone, forming an implied E minor 9th (E-B-E-A) when played open. This makes for incredibly powerful, bass-heavy riffs and open string chugs that are synonymous with modern progressive and death metal. The colossal jump in pitch from the 3rd string (A2) to the 2nd string (G4#) provides an immense dynamic and harmonic range, allowing for searing leads or piercing high notes over the deep rhythmic base. The subsequent, and highly unusual, drop in pitch from the 2nd string (G4#) to the 1st string (A3) creates a unique, almost re-entrant quality on the highest strings. This inversion opens up possibilities for distinctive melodic lines, dissonant voicings, and unexpected chord shapes that wouldn't be possible in standard tunings. It's ideal for genres like djent, progressive metal, or experimental soundscapes where extreme lows, wide intervals, and complex harmonic textures are key.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning deviates drastically from standard guitar tuning. The 6th string is tuned to an astonishing E1, a full octave below the standard low E2. The 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings follow suit, being lowered by 10 semitones each to B1, E2, and A2 respectively. This creates a very low bass register across the thickest four strings. The most striking technical feature is the enormous interval between the 3rd string (A2) and the 2nd string (G4#), which spans an incredible 23 semitones (an octave and a major seventh). Furthermore, the 1st string (A3) is tuned 11 semitones lower than the 2nd string (G4#), an inverted interval that is rare and technically challenging but allows for unique harmonic tension and release. Due to the extreme downtuning across most strings, particularly the 6th (-12 semitones), 5th (-10 semitones), 4th (-10 semitones), 3rd (-10 semitones), and 1st (-7 semitones), specialized, very heavy gauge strings are absolutely essential to maintain adequate string tension, intonation, and playability. The 2nd string, while lowered by 3 semitones, would also benefit from a slightly heavier gauge to balance tension with the surrounding strings.

How to Tune:

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard E tuning. Exercise caution when tuning, especially with large jumps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 12 semitones from E2 to E1. This is a full octave down; a much thicker gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 10 semitones from A2 to B1. A much thicker gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 10 semitones from D3 to E2. A much thicker gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 10 semitones from G3 to A2. A much thicker gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 3 semitones from B3 to G4#. While within a safer range, a slightly heavier gauge string is recommended for optimal tension given the overall tuning.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 7 semitones from E4 to A3. A much thicker gauge string is strongly advised.

For the best playability and to prevent string breakage or intonation issues, it is highly recommended to use a custom set of very heavy gauge strings specifically chosen for these extreme low tunings.