The "Bass VI Octave Drop" tuning is a distinctive and extremely low tuning designed specifically for the Bass VI instrument. As its name suggests, it leverages the Bass VI's extended range to create a deep, resonant soundscape, incorporating a unique octave relationship on its lowest strings and a progressive fourths pattern on the higher strings. This tuning is ideal for players looking to explore heavy, atmospheric tones, drone textures, and a foundational sound that blurs the lines between bass and guitar.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning sets its lowest string at a powerful E1, an entire octave below the standard E2 of a regular guitar and even below the standard E1 of a bass guitar's lowest string. The full sequence of notes from lowest to highest is E1, D2, E2, A2, D3, G3. Let's examine the intervals:

• String 6 (E1) to String 5 (D2): A minor 7th up (or major 2nd down), creating a deep, slightly dissonant interval that adds character to the low end.
• String 5 (D2) to String 4 (E2): A major 2nd up, leading to the octave E.
• String 4 (E2) to String 3 (A2): A perfect 4th up.
• String 3 (A2) to String 2 (D3): A perfect 4th up.
• String 2 (D3) to String 1 (G3): A perfect 4th up.

A key feature highlighted in its description is the "power chord on bass strings is an octave." This refers to the relationship between String 6 (E1) and String 4 (E2). Playing these two strings open simultaneously yields a massive, resonant E octave, perfect for underpinning heavy riffs or sustained drones. The top three strings (A2, D3, G3) are all tuned in perfect fourths, mirroring the interval structure of the lower strings on a standard bass guitar (or the middle strings of a guitar in standard tuning). This makes it intuitive for bass players or for crafting melodies and chord fragments that emphasize a bass-like articulation.

Open Chords & Harmonies:

While the full open strum of E1-D2-E2-A2-D3-G3 produces a dense, somewhat dissonant cluster (featuring E, G, A, and D notes across several octaves), this tuning truly shines when exploring specific voicings and intervals:

• Open Octave E: As mentioned, strings 6 (E1) and 4 (E2) together create a colossal E octave, forming a solid root for any E-based progression.
• Power Chords: The parallel E string (E1 and E2) allows for easy octave power chords by fretting strings 6 and 4 at any position. Similarly, the perfect fourths on strings 3, 2, and 1 (A-D-G) facilitate easy two-finger power chords (e.g., fretting string 3 and 2 at the same fret for an A5, D5, G5, etc.).
• Drones and Riffs: The open E1 and E2 are excellent for sustained drone notes, allowing for melodic exploration on higher strings or heavy, chugging riffs. The D2 on string 5 provides an interesting harmonic tension against the E notes, opening up possibilities for E minor or E Lydian dominant sounds.
• Accessible Chords: The perfect fourths on the higher strings (A-D-G) lend themselves well to shapes found on bass guitars. Simple triads and power chords can be easily formed. For instance, playing the 3rd string open (A), and then fretting the 2nd string at the 2nd fret (E) and the 1st string at the 2nd fret (A) gives an A power chord (A-E-A). Barre chords based on these higher strings will also be intuitive for players familiar with bass tuning.
• Bass-like Lines: The overall low range and interval structure of the top four strings (E2-A2-D3-G3) make it very comfortable for playing bass lines and arpeggios, effectively turning the upper register of the Bass VI into a highly articulate bass instrument.

How to Tune:

Given the extreme nature of this tuning, it is highly recommended to use a different gauge of strings specifically designed for very low tunings to ensure proper tension, intonation, and to prevent damage to your instrument. Tuning from standard EADGBe, here are the required adjustments:

• String 6 (E to E1): Tune down 12 semitones (a full octave). A significantly heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 5 (A to D2): Tune down 7 semitones to D2. A significantly heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 4 (D to E2): Tune down 10 semitones to E2. A significantly heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 3 (G to A2): Tune down 10 semitones to A2. A significantly heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 2 (B to D3): Tune down 9 semitones to D3. A significantly heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 1 (E to G3): Tune down 9 semitones to G3. A significantly heavier gauge string is strongly advised.

Always tune slowly and carefully, especially with such large pitch changes, to avoid over-stressing the strings or the instrument's neck.

String 6: E1

String 5: D2

String 4: E2

String 3: A2

String 2: D3

String 1: G3