This tuning, affectionately dubbed "Subsonic F# Bass," is an incredibly deep and powerful setup for the Electric Bass. As described by its user, it's designed for "low ass subsonic vibrations," making it perfect for genres that demand extreme low-end presence, such as modern metal, djent, and doom. This isn't just low; it's a journey into the earth's core of bass frequencies, delivering an unparalleled sonic weight and rumble that you feel as much as you hear.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to F#1, A#1, D#2, G#2, C#3, F#3. This configuration is essentially an A# Standard tuning for the top five strings (A#1 to F#3, all perfect fourths), augmented with an even lower 6th string tuned to F#1. The interval between the 6th string (F#1) and the 5th string (A#1) is a Major 3rd. This provides a distinct low register and a powerful root note that complements the A# Standard structure of the higher strings, making it incredibly versatile for heavy riffs and complex bass lines.

This unique combination allows for some interesting harmonic possibilities right from the open strings. For instance, playing the 6th, 5th, and 2nd strings (F#1, A#1, C#3) will immediately yield an open F# Major triad, providing a full, resonant chord without any fretting. The consistent fourths on the upper strings make it intuitive for bassists familiar with standard tuning to navigate scales and arpeggios, while the incredibly low F# string opens up new avenues for crushing riffs and fundamental bass lines.

Tuning Movements & String Gauge

Achieving this subterranean tuning requires extreme adjustments from a standard bass setup. The 6th string is dropped a full octave (12 semitones) from its typical E0/E1 position. The remaining five strings are dropped an astounding 13 semitones from their standard positions. Such drastic downward tuning necessitates a specialized, much heavier gauge string set to maintain proper tension, intonation, and playability. Without appropriate string gauges, tuning this low would result in extremely floppy strings and poor tone. Users of this tuning, especially on multiscale instruments like Dingwalls, will find that these instruments are well-suited to handle the immense string tension required for such deep frequencies.

How to Tune

To achieve the Subsonic F# Bass tuning, follow these extreme adjustments:

• 6th String (Lowest): Tune down 12 semitones to F1#.
• 5th String: Tune down 13 semitones to A1#.
• 4th String: Tune down 13 semitones to D2#.
• 3rd String: Tune down 13 semitones to G2#.
• 2nd String: Tune down 13 semitones to C3#.
• 1st String (Highest): Tune down 13 semitones to F3#.

Please note that such significant drops in tuning necessitate very heavy gauge strings to maintain proper tension and intonation. Attempting this tuning with standard gauge strings will result in extremely loose, unplayable strings and poor tone.

Open String Notes

• 6th String: F1#
• 5th String: A1#
• 4th String: D2#
• 3rd String: G2#
• 2nd String: C3#
• 1st String: F3#