Tuning Overview: 10 String F#0 Standard

This is a profoundly low and extended tuning designed for a 10-string guitar, known as F#0 Standard. It plunges the instrument into an exceptionally deep sonic register, with its lowest string tuned to F#0. This setup is perfect for guitarists seeking an expansive range far below conventional tunings, ideal for genres like djent, doom metal, progressive metal, or experimental music where thick, resonant low frequencies and a vast melodic landscape are desired.

Technical Analysis

The tuning's characteristic, "Full Step Down," refers to the overall significant lowering of pitch across the instrument from a hypothetical standard. The entire tuning is based around F#0 as the lowest note, resulting in the following open string notes from lowest (String 9) to highest (String 1):

• String 9: F#0
• String 8: B0
• String 7: E1
• String 6: A1
• String 5: D2
• String 4: G2
• String 3: C3
• String 2: F3
• String 1: A3

Analyzing the intervals between the open strings (from lowest to highest):

• F#0 to B0: Perfect Fourth
• B0 to E1: Perfect Fourth
• E1 to A1: Perfect Fourth
• A1 to D2: Perfect Fourth
• D2 to G2: Perfect Fourth
• G2 to C3: Perfect Fourth
• C3 to F3: Perfect Fourth
• F3 to A3: Major Third

The consistent pattern of perfect fourths across the majority of the strings (String 9 down to String 2) provides a highly logical and movable fretboard layout. This structure greatly simplifies the creation of power chords and extended voicings, as shapes are easily transferable across multiple strings. The exception is the interval between the 2nd and 1st strings (F3 to A3), which is a Major Third. This break in the fourths pattern, reminiscent of the G-B interval in standard 6-string tuning, offers a distinct harmonic flavor to the higher register.

While the open strings themselves do not form a conventional major or minor triad, the sheer depth and the highly regular intervalic structure make this tuning exceptionally versatile for creating dense, dissonant, or ambient soundscapes. Power chords (root and fifth) are readily accessible by barring or playing adjacent strings due to the consistent fourths. The expanded lower range allows for bass-like riffs and massive chord voicings, pushing the boundaries of what's typically expected from a guitar, making it ideal for experimental or heavy music.

How to Tune

Achieving this F#0 Standard tuning from a conventional 10-string setup requires significant down-tuning for almost all strings. Please note the specific movements for each string (from lowest, String 9, to highest, String 1):

• String 9 (F#0): Tune down 7 semitones.
• String 8 (B0): Tune down 7 semitones.
• String 7 (E1): Tune down 7 semitones.
• String 6 (A1): Tune down 7 semitones.
• String 5 (D2): Tune down 7 semitones.
• String 4 (G2): Tune down 7 semitones.
• String 3 (C3): Tune down 7 semitones.
• String 2 (F3): Tune down 6 semitones.
• String 1 (A3): Tune down 7 semitones.

Important Gauge Advisory: Given that most strings are tuned down by 6 or 7 semitones (exceeding the general guideline of 4 semitones up or down), it is strongly advised to use a significantly heavier gauge string set specifically designed for extended range and low tunings. This will ensure proper string tension, intonation, sustain, and playability, and will help prevent potential neck or bridge issues on your guitar. Using standard gauge strings with such extreme down-tuning will result in very loose, floppy strings, poor tone, and intonation problems.

String 9 (Lowest): F#0

String 8: B0

String 7: E1

String 6: A1

String 5: D2

String 4: G2

String 3: C3

String 2: F3

String 1 (Highest): A3