The DROP F/C tuning is a formidable and deeply resonant tuning primarily designed for 7-string guitars, pushing the boundaries of low-end sonic exploration. It's a prime choice for genres like metal, djent, hardcore, and any style demanding extreme weight and impact.

Verbal Analysis: This tuning plunges your guitar into a realm of guttural, earth-shaking lows. The core concept builds upon a Drop C framework (C-G-C-F-A-D on strings 6-1), but the crucial element is the incredibly low F1 on the 7th string. This provides a truly subterranean foundation, creating a massive, dense sound that feels both heavy and expansive. It's perfect for thick, chugging riffs, atmospheric drones, and solos that demand a dark, resonant character. The extreme tension required for the lower strings usually necessitates thicker gauge strings to maintain playability and intonation.

Technical Analysis: The tuning arrangement is F1-C2-G2-C3-F3-A3-D4 from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st) string.

• The 7th string is tuned to F1, which is significantly lower than a standard low B on a 7-string, providing an exceptionally deep fundamental.
• Strings 6, 5, and 4 (C2-G2-C3) form a power chord triad (C-G-C), mimicking the characteristic 'drop' interval for easy one-finger power chords.
• The interval between string 4 (C3) and string 3 (F3) is a perfect fourth, maintaining a familiar structure.
• Between string 3 (F3) and string 2 (A3) is a major third, and between string 2 (A3) and string 1 (D4) is a perfect fourth. This creates an interesting melodic and harmonic landscape beyond typical power chord shapes.

Chordal Possibilities:

• Drop Power Chords: The "drop" configuration on strings 6, 5, and 4 (C-G-C) allows for effortless power chords by barring a single fret, ideal for fast, heavy riffing. Similar shapes are accessible on strings 4, 3, and 2 (C-F-A).
• Ultra-Low F Power Chords: The F1 on the 7th string combined with the C2 on the 6th string forms a perfect fifth, making it incredibly simple to construct monstrous F power chords by barring these two strings.
• Open String Resonance: Strumming the open strings (F-C-G-C-F-A-D) creates a rich, complex harmonic cluster. This could be interpreted as an Fsus2 chord with added extensions (F-C-G are Fsus2, plus C, F, A, D), offering a full, droning sound perfect for atmospheric sections or sustained chords with a unique character. Experimenting with partial open chords will yield fascinating results.

How to Tune

Achieving this tuning requires significant adjustment from standard tuning, particularly for the lowest string. Please proceed with caution and consider using heavier gauge strings to prevent damage to your instrument and ensure proper intonation and tension.

• String 7 (Low F): Tune down 6 semitones to F1. (Note: Tuning down 6 semitones is a substantial drop and a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.)
• String 6 (C): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop and a heavier gauge string is advised.)
• String 5 (G): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (C): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (F): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High D): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Important Note on String Gauge: When tuning strings down by more than 4 semitones (or up by more than 4 semitones), it is highly recommended to use a different gauge string specifically suited for the target tension. The 7th and 6th strings in particular will require much heavier gauges to maintain proper playability, intonation, and to prevent string floppiness or potential damage to your guitar.

Here are the notes for each string in the DROP F/C tuning, from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st):

• String 7: F1
• String 6: C2
• String 5: G2
• String 4: C3
• String 3: F3
• String 2: A3
• String 1: D4