The "F octave plus D standard tuning" is an incredibly deep and versatile 8-string guitar setup, as described by its creator: "One of the countless tunings I've used over the years, basically D standard with a low F and an even lower F and octave below the other F, gut rumbling lows." This tuning is designed to provide an enormous low-end foundation, ideal for genres demanding sonic weight and extended range.

Verbal Analysis

Prepare for a truly seismic experience with this tuning. The description "gut rumbling lows" is an understatement, as it plunges into the sub-contra octave with an F0. This is not just a low tuning; it's a statement of extreme sonic depth, perfect for djent, doom metal, or any style seeking to push the boundaries of low-frequency impact. The inclusion of a "D standard" core ensures that despite its extreme low end, the familiar intervals and chord shapes from a common heavy tuning remain accessible, allowing for a blend of crushing riffs and melodic articulation. It offers a massive wall of sound when chugging on the lower strings, while the upper strings provide ample room for leads and intricate rhythm work.

Technical Analysis

This is an 8-string guitar tuning. Let's break down the notes from lowest to highest:

• 8th String (Lowest): F0
• 7th String: F1
• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: G2
• 4th String: C3
• 3rd String: F3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String (Highest): D4

The most striking feature is the dual low F strings, F0 and F1, separated by a perfect octave. F0 is an incredibly low note, pushing the boundaries of typical guitar range. This provides an unprecedented foundation. Following these, strings 6 through 1 are tuned D2, G2, C3, F3, A3, D4. This precisely matches the intervals of D Standard tuning (D-G-C-F-A-D), maintaining a familiar and versatile framework for the upper six strings.

The intervals between strings are:

• 8th (F0) to 7th (F1): Perfect Octave (12 semitones)
• 7th (F1) to 6th (D2): Major 6th (9 semitones)
• 6th (D2) to 5th (G2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• 5th (G2) to 4th (C3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• 4th (C3) to 3rd (F3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• 3rd (F3) to 2nd (A3): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
• 2nd (A3) to 1st (D4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)

Open Chords and Voicings

While the full open string set (F0, F1, D2, G2, C3, F3, A3, D4) doesn't form a single, standard open chord, it offers immense harmonic potential due to its blend of a fundamental octave with a D standard arrangement.

• The "F" Foundation: The F0 and F1 strings provide an incredibly powerful, octave-doubled root. Open power chords on these strings, or even just strumming them, will yield an exceptionally heavy, resonant F fundamental, perfect for anchoring heavy riffs.
• D Minor / F Major Harmony: The notes D, F, A (from D2, F3, A3) form a D minor triad. The notes F, A, C (from F1, C3, F3, A3) form an F major triad. This allows for rich, open D minor or F major voicings, particularly with the added depth of the F0. For example, an open F major chord using F0 (or F1), C3, F3, A3 would be very full.
• D Standard Compatibility: The DGCFAD segment of the tuning means that all familiar chord shapes, scales, and arpeggios from D Standard tuning are directly transferable to the upper six strings. This maintains a high degree of playability and offers a well-understood harmonic framework for lead lines and melodic passages.
• Extended Range Power Chords: Players can leverage the F0 and F1 for massive bass notes, forming power chords with notes on the DGCFAD section. A power chord across F0, F1, and the 4th string (C3, a perfect 5th to F) would be devastatingly heavy and thick. Simple two-finger power chords on the upper six strings (DGCFAD) will sound full and powerful.

This tuning is perfect for exploring extreme low-end textures while retaining the versatility of a familiar D standard setup for lead lines, melodic passages, and more traditional chord work, creating a soundscape that is both crushing and surprisingly flexible.

How to Tune to F Octave Plus D Standard

To achieve this colossal tuning, you'll need to adjust each string as follows. Please take particular care when making large pitch adjustments. For significant changes (down more than 4 semitones or up more than 4 semitones), a different gauge string set is strongly advised to maintain proper tension and tone.

• 8th String (Lowest): Tune down 8 semitones to F0. (Caution: A significant drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for proper tension and tone and to prevent string floppiness.)
• 7th String: Tune down 1 semitone to F1.
• 6th String: Tune up 3 semitones to D2. (Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones should be done carefully to avoid string breakage.)
• 5th String: Tune up 3 semitones to G2. (Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones should be done carefully to avoid string breakage.)
• 4th String: Tune up 3 semitones to C3. (Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones should be done carefully to avoid string breakage.)
• 3rd String: Tune up 3 semitones to F3. (Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones should be done carefully to avoid string breakage.)
• 2nd String: Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (Highest): Tune up 3 semitones to D4. (Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones should be done carefully to avoid string breakage.)