Tuning Overview: F-Dropped Quartal 8-String

This tuning transforms your 8-string guitar into a powerhouse of deep, resonant frequencies and consistent harmonic structures. As the original description suggests, it's a unique take on an "up-tuned" guitar with a prominent low F. Specifically, it presents an 8-string setup with the lowest string tuned to F1, followed by C2, and then a series of perfect fourths from F2 up to F4. This creates an incredibly deep tonal landscape, making it ideal for genres like metal, djent, progressive rock, or any style that thrives on extended low range and robust, impactful riffing.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning are:

• String 8: F1 (Lowest F on a guitar)
• String 7: C2
• String 6: F2
• String 5: A#3
• String 4: D#4
• String 3: G3
• String 2: C4
• String 1: F4 (Highest F on a guitar)

• String 8 (F1) to String 7 (C2): A Perfect 5th (7 semitones).
• Strings 7 (C2) to String 6 (F2) and then Strings 6 through 1 (F2, A#3, D#4, G3, C4, F4): These are all tuned in Perfect 4ths (5 semitones each).

Chordal Possibilities

The open tuning itself presents powerful harmonic options:

• Open F5 Power Chord: Simply strumming strings 8, 7, and 6 (F1, C2, F2) yields a massive, deep F power chord.
• Consistent Power Chords: Due to the perfect fourths on strings 6-1, moving a simple two-finger power chord shape (root and fifth) up or down the fretboard maintains its interval consistency, allowing for rapid riff construction. For example, a root on string 6, fifth on string 5 (fretted two frets higher) is a standard shape.
• Quartal Harmonies: The stacked fourths naturally lend themselves to open, dissonant, or suspended chords and arpeggios, which are highly characteristic of modern progressive and jazz-fusion styles.
• Drone Effects: The repeated F notes (F1, F2, F4) provide excellent opportunities for F-based drones and sustained atmospheric textures.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the F-Dropped Quartal 8-String tuning, follow these specific adjustments from your current tuning. No extreme string tension changes are required, as all movements are within a single semitone. This means a standard set of 8-string guitar strings should accommodate this tuning without issue.

• String 8 (Lowest String): Tune down 1 semitone to F1.
• String 7: Tune up 1 semitone to C2.
• String 6: Tune up 1 semitone to F2.
• String 5: Tune up 1 semitone to A#3.
• String 4: Tune up 1 semitone to D#4.
• String 3: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2: Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune up 1 semitone to F4.