The Low F Drop A 8-String tuning transforms your extended-range guitar into a sonic beast, designed for colossal low-end impact and unique voicing possibilities. As the original description notes, it's "kinda like EAEA but its FAEA Arop A plus the low F for 8 string Guitar." This tuning takes a common 8-string standard (F#1 B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4) and plunges its lowest two strings even further into the abyss, while maintaining a familiar feel on the higher strings.

Verbal Analysis

At its heart, this tuning is built for power and extreme low-frequency articulation. The 8th string drops to a bone-rattling F1, providing an incredibly deep foundation for heavy riffs, djent, and experimental music. The 7th string is tuned to A1, creating a 'Drop A' effect on this string, which is excellent for thick, chugging power chords when paired with the 6th string (E2). While not an open chord tuning in the traditional sense, the F1-A1-E2-A2 sequence on the lowest four strings allows for unique, dark voicings and expansive, atmospheric textures that are difficult to achieve in standard tunings. The upper five strings (A2-D3-G3-B3-E4) retain a standard configuration, meaning much of your existing knowledge of scales, chords, and arpeggios remains directly applicable from the 5th string upwards, providing a familiar playground for melodies and solos in the higher registers.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: 8-string Guitar
• Target Tuning: F1 A1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4
• Lowest Note: F1 (approximately 36.71 Hz), providing exceptional sub-bass frequencies.
• Interval Structure (low to high): Major 3rd (F1-A1), Perfect 5th (A1-E2), Perfect 4th (E2-A2), Perfect 4th (A2-D3), Perfect 4th (D3-G3), Major 3rd (G3-B3), Perfect 4th (B3-E4). This blend of wide and narrow intervals contributes to the tuning's unique sonic character.
• String Alterations: The 8th and 7th strings are significantly lowered, while the 6th through 1st strings remain consistent with a standard 8-string tuning (similar to a standard 6-string EADGBE with an added low A and F).
• Potential Chords/Voicings:
  • Open 7th (A1) and 6th (E2) strings form a Perfect 5th, ideal for quick, heavy power chords.
  • The open 7th (A1) and 5th (A2) strings are octaves, offering rich, resonant octave voicings.
  • Standard chord shapes and scales from a 6-string guitar are directly transferable from the 5th string (A2) upwards, making it versatile for lead playing and traditional chord work.

How to Tune (from F#1 B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4 Standard)

• String 8 (Lowest String): Start from F#1. Tune down 1 semitone to F1.
• String 7: Start from B1. Tune down 2 semitones to A1.
• String 6: Start from E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E2.
• String 5: Start from A2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4: Start from D3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3: Start from G3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2: Start from B3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• String 1 (Highest String): Start from E4. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Important Note on String Gauge: While the individual string movements (-1, -2 semitones) for the lowest strings are not extreme (less than 4 semitones), achieving optimal tension and tone for notes as low as F1 and A1 on an 8-string guitar typically requires a specialized, heavy gauge string set. Consult your guitar technician for advice if you experience intonation or tension issues.

String 8: Tuned to F1 - The lowest string, providing a massive, earth-shaking bass tone.

String 7: Tuned to A1 - A "Drop A" for the 7th string, perfect for heavy power chords and low riffs.

String 6: Tuned to E2 - Standard E note, maintaining a familiar anchor in the middle range.

String 5: Tuned to A2 - Standard A note, an octave above the 7th string.

String 4: Tuned to D3 - Standard D note.

String 3: Tuned to G3 - Standard G note.

String 2: Tuned to B3 - Standard B note.

String 1: Tuned to E4 - The highest string, matching standard E tuning.