Verbal Analysis: The Deep F Octave

This unique Guitar tuning, originally dubbed "F octave tuning", is famously associated with Admiral Angry's grindcore album "9/11... Only Worse". It's a truly aggressive and low-end focused setup designed for heavy music. The defining characteristic is the octave relationship between the lowest two strings (F1 and F2), which creates a massive, almost synth-like bass foundation, mimicking the effect of an octave pedal. While it shares some DNA with tunings like C standard or Drop A#, it takes a much deeper dive into the low frequencies, particularly with its ultra-low F1 string. This is not a conventional tuning; its re-entrant string arrangement on the higher strings creates a unique harmonic landscape that is both challenging and rewarding for adventurous players seeking extreme sonic textures.

Technical Analysis: Re-entrant F Powerhouse

The open string notes from low to high are F1, F2, A#3, D#4, G3, C4.

• The 6th string (F1) and 5th string (F2) are tuned a perfect octave apart, forming an incredibly deep and resonant fundamental. This provides an immediate, powerful "octave pedal" effect when strummed together.
• The upper strings reveal a highly unconventional, re-entrant arrangement: the 2nd string (G3) is lower in pitch than the 4th string (A#3) and 3rd string (D#4), and the 1st string (C4) is lower than the 3rd string (D#4).
• When analyzing the pitches from lowest to highest across all strings, we get: F1, F2, G3, A#3, C4, D#4. This cluster includes an F minor triad (F, A#, C) along with the 2nd (G) and minor 6th (D#), suggesting a strong minor or Phrygian harmonic character.
• Due to the re-entrant nature, conventional open chords will require significant re-thinking. However, the strong F fundamental allows for powerful one or two-finger "drone" chords on the lowest strings. Simplified power chords built on the 6th string will deliver immense low-end impact.
• The interval between the 5th string (F2) and 4th string (A#3) is a tritone (augmented fourth), creating tension that can be exploited for dissonant or grinding riffs.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the Deep F Octave tuning, follow these specific instructions for each string. Please note the significant changes required for most strings.

• 6th String (Lowest E): Tune down 1 semitones to F1.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 6 semitones to F2.
  Caution: Tuning up by 6 semitones (a tritone) is a significant increase in tension. A different gauge string is strongly advised for strings undergoing such large upward tuning.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 6 semitones to A#3.
  Caution: Tuning up by 6 semitones (a tritone) is a significant increase in tension. A different gauge string is strongly advised for strings undergoing such large upward tuning.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 6 semitones to D#4.
  Caution: Tuning up by 6 semitones (a tritone) is a significant increase in tension. A different gauge string is strongly advised for strings undergoing such large upward tuning.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 5 semitones to G3.
  Caution: Tuning up by 5 semitones (a perfect fourth) is a significant increase in tension. A different gauge string is strongly advised for strings undergoing such large upward tuning.
• 1st String (Highest E): Tune up 5 semitones to C4.
  Caution: Tuning up by 5 semitones (a perfect fourth) is a significant increase in tension. A different gauge string is strongly advised for strings undergoing such large upward tuning.

General Caution: When tuning strings up by 4 semitones or more, it is generally recommended to use a different gauge string more suited to the higher tension to prevent string breakage and potential neck damage. Always proceed with care and consult a luthier if unsure.

6th String (Lowest): F1
5th String: F2
4th String: A#3
3rd String: D#4
2nd String: G3
1st String (Highest): C4