Tuning Analysis: Half 8 string

Verbal Description

The 'Half 8 string' tuning for your Electric Bass transforms your instrument into a beast, delivering an incredibly deep and resonant soundscape. With the lowest physical string tuned to F#2, this setup plunges your bass into sub-sonic territories, typically reserved for extended-range instruments. What makes this tuning truly unique is its re-entrant nature: while your thickest string (4th) is F#2, the next string (3rd) drops even lower to B1, before ascending through E2 (2nd string) and A2 (1st string) in standard perfect fourths. This creates a powerful, almost orchestral low end, perfect for genres like doom metal, djent, or experimental music where a crushing, full-bodied bass tone is paramount. The unique string order allows for unconventional harmonic textures and powerful, dissonant open string voicings, encouraging creative exploration beyond traditional basslines.

Technical Analysis

This tuning features the following open notes on your 4-string bass, from the thickest (4th) to the thinnest (1st) string:

• 4th String: F#2
• 3rd String: B1
• 2nd String: E2
• 1st String: A2

Analyzing the intervals between adjacent strings reveals a distinctive structure:

• 4th String (F#2) to 3rd String (B1): This is a descending perfect 5th (or an ascending perfect 4th from B1 to F#2). This re-entrant interval is highly unusual for bass, placing a significantly lower note on the string adjacent to the lowest string, creating a wide harmonic spread.
• 3rd String (B1) to 2nd String (E2): Perfect 4th.
• 2nd String (E2) to 1st String (A2): Perfect 4th.

The presence of B1, E2, and A2 on the upper three strings provides familiar perfect 4th intervals for chord shapes and scales, allowing for comfortable navigation within that range. However, the F#2 on the 4th string and its relationship to the B1 introduces unique voicing possibilities.

Open Chords and Playing Potential

While traditional open chords are less common on bass, this tuning offers some intriguing possibilities:

• B Power Chord / Minor Fragment: The open B1 (3rd string), E2 (2nd string), and A2 (1st string) form the root, 4th, and 7th (b7) of a B minor scale or a B Mixolydian scale. Fret the 4th string at the 7th fret (C#) and the 2nd string at the 2nd fret (F#) to get a B power chord across the lower strings (B-F#-B).
• Unique Drone Tones: The F#2 and B1 can create powerful dissonant drones or pedal tones. Playing a root on the 4th string and then harmonizing with notes on the lower 3rd string allows for inversions or extended chords not typically available.
• Heavy Riffing: The extremely low F# and B are ideal for crushing, single-note riffs and staccato rhythmic patterns, especially when combined with a heavily distorted tone. The perfect 4ths on the upper strings make for intuitive movement in that range.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Half 8 string' tuning, each string requires a significant upward adjustment. Due to the substantial change of 5 semitones for all strings, it is highly recommended to consider a heavier gauge of strings to maintain proper tension and intonation, and to prevent potential damage to your instrument. Proceed with caution when tuning up this much.

• 4th String (Lowest): Tune up 5 semitones to F#2.
• 3rd String: Tune up 5 semitones to B1.
• 2nd String: Tune up 5 semitones to E2.
• 1st String (Highest): Tune up 5 semitones to A2.