This is a profoundly heavy and aggressive 8-string guitar tuning, specifically known for its use by Structures on their "None of the Above EP." It's engineered for deep, resonant lows and a tight, percussive attack, characteristic of modern progressive metal and djent genres. The tuning’s overall downward shift creates immense string tension at lower frequencies, delivering a distinct sonic punch. While not designed for conventional open chords, it excels in crafting intricate, low-end riffs, complex voicings, and powerful single-note runs. Players will find it particularly suited for chugging rhythms and extended-range melodic lines.

Technical Analysis

The tuning E1 G1 D2 G2 C3 F3 A3 D4 spans a massive range, utilizing all eight strings of the instrument, tuned predominantly low from standard 8-string F#.

Interval Relationships (Lowest to Highest String):

• String 8 (E1) to String 7 (G1): Minor 3rd (3 semitones)
• String 7 (G1) to String 6 (D2): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (G2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 5 (G2) to String 4 (C3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 4 (C3) to String 3 (F3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 3 (F3) to String 2 (A3): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (D4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)

Open Chords & Voicings:

This tuning isn't designed for conventional open major or minor strumming, but its unique intervals open up specific powerful voicings:

• The open G1-D2-G2 on strings 7, 6, and 5 forms a resonant G power chord across octaves, providing a strong rhythmic foundation.
• The sequence of Perfect 4ths (D2-G2-C3-F3) across strings 6 through 3 is highly conducive to modern, open, and sometimes dissonant quartal harmonies. These voicings are excellent for creating dense, atmospheric chords or angular riffs that avoid traditional triadic sounds.
• The lowest three strings E1-G1-D2, while not a simple triad, provide a massive, spread-out Em(add11) without the 5th (B), offering a dark and expansive low-end texture suitable for sustained notes or slow, heavy passages.
• The tuning encourages horizontal riffing and leveraging the extended lower range for crushing breakdowns and atmospheric passages, with easy access to root-5th power chords by muting strings and playing adjacent notes on the same fret.

The open notes for this 8-string guitar tuning are as follows:

String 8: E1 (Lowest String)

String 7: G1

String 6: D2

String 5: G2

String 4: C3

String 3: F3

String 2: A3

String 1: D4 (Highest String)

How to Tune

To achieve this tuning, you will adjust your strings from a standard 8-string tuning (F#1 B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4) as follows. Please take care when making significant pitch adjustments.

• String 8 (F#1 to E1): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 7 (B1 to G1): Tune down 4 semitones.
• String 6 (E2 to D2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 5 (A2 to G2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D3 to C3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G3 to F3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 2 (B3 to A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (E4 to D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

String Gauge Recommendation: All string movements are within the safe range for standard gauge strings. However, for String 7, tuning down 4 semitones might benefit from a slightly heavier gauge to maintain optimal tension and intonation, though it does not exceed the threshold where a different gauge is advised (i.e., more than 4 semitones down).