Tuning Analysis: 8 String Drop A with Low F#

This is an 8-string Guitar tuning, specifically named '8 string drop A with low F#'. As its description suggests, this tuning is engineered for deep, resonant tones and heavy riffing, extending the typical range of a 7-string Drop A tuning with an even lower F# string. It’s a tuning designed to deliver immense sonic weight and a broad palette for modern metal, djent, and progressive styles.

Technical Breakdown:

The open string notes, ordered from the lowest physical string (8th string) to the highest (1st string), are:

• 8th String: F#2
• 7th String: A1
• 6th String: E2
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: E4

Upon closer inspection of the intervals:

• The transition from the 8th string (F#2) to the 7th string (A1) is highly unconventional. A1 is significantly lower in pitch than F#2 (a minor tenth below), creating a very wide and potentially dissonant gap if played together. This unusual interval suggests the lowest two strings are primarily intended for independent single-note lines, specific low-end power chord voicings, or drone effects rather than traditional open chord voicings.
• Strings 7, 6, and 5 (A1, E2, A2) form a powerful open A5 power chord, establishing a foundational 'Drop A' characteristic within the tuning. This makes it ideal for heavy, chugging riffs on these strings.
• The middle strings (A2, D3, G3 - Strings 5, 4, 3) are tuned in perfect fourths, similar to the lower-middle strings of standard guitar tuning. This maintains familiarity for movable power chords and scale shapes in this range.
• The top three strings (G3, B3, E4 - Strings 3, 2, 1) are identical to the top three strings of standard E-standard tuning. This means many familiar chord shapes (e.g., G major, C major, D major, E minor, A minor) and lead patterns will translate directly, offering a versatile range for melodic and harmonic playing despite the extreme low end.

Chordal and Riffing Potential:

This tuning excels in various areas:

• Heavy Power Chords: The A1-E2-A2 sequence on strings 7-6-5 provides an instant A5 power chord, perfect for crushing rhythms. Other movable power chords are readily accessible across the middle strings.
• Extended Low Range Riffing: The F#2 on the 8th string provides an incredibly low foundation for aggressive, chugging riffs, often used in conjunction with the A1 and E2 strings to create massive, layered power chords (e.g., F#5 or A5 with a low F# drone).
• Melodic & Lead Playing: The standard intervals on the top three strings allow for conventional lead lines and chord voicings, balancing the extreme low-end with familiar melodic possibilities.
• Unique Dissonance and Dynamics: The distinctive interval between F#2 and A1 can be exploited for specific dissonant textures or used independently to create highly dynamic and complex arrangements, pushing the boundaries of traditional guitar harmony.

Overall, this tuning is a powerful tool for players looking to explore the deepest sonic territories while retaining some of the comfortable playability of standard tuning on the higher strings.

How to Tune:

To achieve the '8 string drop A with low F#', follow these steps for each string. The target note for each string is provided, along with the required semitone adjustment. Remember to tune carefully and check your intonation after significant changes.

String 8 (Lowest String): Tune to F#2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

String 7: Tune to A1. Tune down 2 semitones.

String 6: Tune to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

String 5: Tune to A2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

String 4: Tune to D3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

String 3: Tune to G3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

String 2: Tune to B3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

String 1 (Highest String): Tune to E4. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).