Overview: The Deep F Stack Tuning

The "Deep F Stack" is an exceptionally low and heavy 9-string guitar tuning, pushing the boundaries of sonic depth. It features a rich, resonant character, making it ideal for genres demanding a powerful, foundational rumble. As noted in its origin, this tuning, identified as "Stacked Drop F tuning (actual)", is notably used in "TXCHN1C1XN" from One Minute Winter and other tracks by the band. A 10-string variant has also found its way into various Remove the Defender songs, including "Theoretical Novelty", "MENTAL", "Siege of Budapest", and "Brussels Gambit", showcasing its versatility for extreme low-end aggression.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning is structured around a foundational F note, with an astonishingly low F0 on the lowest string, a full two octaves below standard E2. The open strings are: F0-C1-F1-C2-F2-A#3-D#4-G3-C4.

• Low End Dominance: The first five strings (F0, C1, F1, C2, F2) immediately establish a colossal F5 power chord across multiple octaves. This stacking of F and C creates an incredibly thick and resonant low-end foundation, providing immense power and sustain when strummed open.
• Minor/Dorian Flavors: The presence of A#3 (B-flat) and D#4 (E-flat) on the 4th and 3rd strings introduces a strong F minor or F Dorian tonality to the tuning. This allows for natural access to minor chord voicings and melodic ideas that lean towards a darker, more melancholic, or even bluesy feel, without the need for extensive fretting.
• Upper Register Dynamics: The highest strings (G3, C4) offer interesting harmonic possibilities. The G3 could function as a minor seventh, leading to an F minor 7 sound (F-C-F-C-F-Bb-Eb-G-C), or as an extension for more complex voicings. The C4 provides a resonant perfect fifth, completing the F triad in the higher register.

Open Chords and Playability:

Due to its unique structure, the Deep F Stack tuning offers immediate access to massive open voicings:

• A full, resounding F5 Power Chord can be achieved by simply strumming the lower five strings (F0-C1-F1-C2-F2), creating an unparalleled wall of low-end sound.
• The presence of A# (Bb) and D# (Eb) makes F minor tonalities very accessible. An open strum across all strings will yield a complex F minor-leaning chord, possibly an F minor 7 or Fsus4/7, depending on interpretation. Experimentation with simplified three or four-string voicings incorporating these notes will quickly reveal rich minor textures.
• This tuning is highly conducive to drone-based riffs and heavy, chugging rhythms, where the open F and C notes can be used as resonant anchors. Single-finger barres across specific fret positions will quickly unlock various power chords and minor shapes.

Tuning Notes

• String 9 (lowest): F0
• String 8: C1
• String 7: F1
• String 6: C2
• String 5: F2
• String 4: A#3
• String 3: D#4
• String 2: G3
• String 1 (highest): C4

How to Tune

To achieve the Deep F Stack tuning, follow these specific adjustments for each string. Given the significant drops, careful tuning and potentially heavier gauge strings are advised.

• String 9 (lowest): Tune down 8 semitones to F0. Caution: This is a very significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended to maintain proper tension and intonation.
• String 8: Tune down 6 semitones to C1. Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended.
• String 7: Tune down 6 semitones to F1. Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended.
• String 6: Tune down 4 semitones to C2. Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended.
• String 5: Tune down 4 semitones to F2. Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended.
• String 4: Tune down 4 semitones to A#3. Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended.
• String 3: Tune down 4 semitones to D#4. Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended.
• String 2: Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended.
• String 1 (highest): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended.