The "8 string F standard variant" tuning plunges the guitar into a profoundly low and dark sonic landscape, ideal for heavy progressive and experimental metal genres. As the name suggests, it’s a modification of the conventional 8-string F standard tuning, specifically designed for those who appreciate the deep resonance of F but desire a unique, slightly dissonant edge.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning sets the open strings to F1, A#2, D#3, G#3, C#4, F3, A#4, D#5. Compared to a true F Standard (F-A#-D#-G#-C-F-A#-D#), the key alteration here is the 4th string (from thickest), which is tuned to C#4 instead of C4. This subtle change introduces a distinct character, creating a tritone interval (augmented 4th / diminished 5th) between the lowest F (F1) and this C#4 when considering them as a simple interval from the root. This contributes to a more complex and unsettling harmonic texture.

The tuning features a strong emphasis on perfect fourth intervals across multiple strings (A#2-D#3, D#3-G#3, G#3-C#4, A#4-D#5), which makes power chords and heavy riffing highly intuitive and easily accessible across the neck. The lowest F1 string paired with the F3 string (two octaves higher) provides a robust, foundational root. The overall open string voicing—F, A#, D#, G#, C#—doesn't form a simple major or minor chord, instead leaning towards a dense, ambiguous, and somewhat dissonant cluster, ideal for atmospheric or aggressive soundscapes.

Verbal and Sonic Impressions:

This tuning evokes a powerful, almost guttural presence. The user's description hints at its use for "contortionist material off of Exoplanet album," suggesting a progressive, technical death metal context where complex, low-end riffs are paramount. The preference for 'F' over 'F#' is noted, as the lower register is perceived to match "vocal tones better for talking at room level" and gives the guitar a "talking" quality, implying a desire for deep resonance and articulate growl. This tuning is not for the faint of heart; it's crafted for intricate, heavy compositions that demand a unique harmonic palette and an instrument that can truly "speak" in the lower registers, delivering a sound that is both crushing and nuanced.

How to Tune:

To achieve this tuning, you will adjust your strings from a standard tuning configuration as follows. Please note that all string movements specified are within a reasonable range and typically do not require a change in string gauge.

• 8th String (F1): Tune down 1 semitone.
• 7th String (A#2): Tune down 1 semitone.
• 6th String (D#3): Tune down 1 semitone.
• 5th String (G#3): Tune down 1 semitone.
• 4th String (C#4): Tune down 1 semitone.
• 3rd String (F3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• 2nd String (A#4): Tune down 1 semitone.
• 1st String (D#5): Tune down 1 semitone.

The open strings for this 8-string F standard variant tuning are set as follows (from thickest to thinnest):

• 8th String: F1 (Low F)
• 7th String: A#2 (A sharp)
• 6th String: D#3 (D sharp)
• 5th String: G#3 (G sharp)
• 4th String: C#4 (C sharp)
• 3rd String: F3 (F)
• 2nd String: A#4 (A sharp)
• 1st String: D#5 (High D sharp)