Verbal Analysis

The "Stacked Drop F tuning," notably featured in One Minute Winter's music, especially "Txchn1c1xn," is an incredibly deep and resonant setup for a 9-string guitar. It plunges the instrument into an exceptionally low sonic range, crafting a massive, dark, and potentially dissonant foundation ideal for extreme heavy music genres. The sheer depth provided by the F0 note on the lowest string, combined with multiple octaves of F and C, creates an immense, powerful drone. The inclusion of F2# introduces a characteristic tension, preventing a simple open chord and demanding a more nuanced harmonic approach. This tuning is designed for players seeking to push the boundaries of low-end aggression and unique, complex harmonic textures. Given the extreme string movements, custom, very heavy gauge strings are not merely recommended but are absolutely essential for proper playability, intonation, and to prevent string breakage or potential damage to the instrument.

Technical Analysis

• Open Notes: F0 C1 F2# C2 F2 A3# D4# G3 C4 (from lowest to highest string).
• Low-End Dominance: The tuning is anchored by an extraordinarily deep F0 on the 9th string, immediately followed by C1 on the 8th. This establishes a fundamental F power chord (F-C) but at frequencies that resonate with immense power.
• Stacked F and C Motifs: A defining characteristic is the 'stacked' arrangement of F and C notes. The first five strings (F0, C1, F2#, C2, F2) heavily feature these two notes across different octaves, generating a thick, resonant drone that can be both overwhelming and uniquely unsettling.
• The F2# Dissonance: The F2# on the 7th string is a crucial and distinctive element. This note, combined with the surrounding C notes (C1 and C2), creates a specific, tense harmonic cluster. It's a tritone away from C2 (the subsequent open string), introducing a jarring, heavy dissonance or a Lydian quality to the F tonality, rather than a straightforward F power chord across the lower strings. This indicates a tuning crafted for intricate, dissonant riffs and textural soundscapes, rather than simple open chord strumming.
• Higher String Intervals: The higher strings (A3#, D4#, G3, C4) reveal a pattern of perfect fourths (A3# to D4# and G3 to C4). This structure makes it relatively easy to form familiar power chord shapes and riff patterns on these strings, offering a contrasting, more conventional melodic or rhythmic element that can be layered over the complex and deep lower register.
• Overall Chordal Implications: While not designed for traditional open chord strumming, the tuning profoundly supports massive, drone-based F and C power chords. The F2# suggests an Fmaj#4 or Fsus2#4 tonality in the lower register, encouraging a creative and experimental approach to harmony. The consistent perfect fourth intervals on the higher strings provide readily accessible power chord voicings that can complement the deep F and C drones.

How to Tune: Stacked Drop F tuning

This tuning involves significant string tension adjustments. For drops exceeding 4 semitones, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string to ensure proper tension, intonation, and to prevent potential string breakage or damage to your guitar's neck. All strings in this tuning require a drop of 4 semitones or more, so custom heavy gauge strings are essential across your entire instrument.

• 9th String (Lowest) to F0: Tune down 8 semitones. This is an extremely large drop, making a significantly heavier gauge string absolutely essential.
• 8th String to C1: Tune down 6 semitones. Another very substantial drop; a heavy gauge string is critical here.
• 7th String to F2#: Tune down 5 semitones. This exceeds the general recommendation of a 4-semitone drop; a different, heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• 6th String to C2: Tune down 4 semitones. Take care when making this significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance.
• 5th String to F2: Tune down 4 semitones. Take care when making this significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance.
• 4th String to A3#: Tune down 4 semitones. Take care when making this significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance.
• 3rd String to D4#: Tune down 4 semitones. Take care when making this significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance.
• 2nd String to G3: Tune down 4 semitones. Take care when making this significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance.
• 1st String (Highest) to C4: Tune down 4 semitones. Take care when making this significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance.