Tuning Analysis: Drop b w/ f#

This intriguing 8-string guitar tuning, aptly named "Drop b w/ f#", is a sonic behemoth designed to plunge your sound into the deepest sonic territories while retaining sparkling highs. As the original description aptly puts it, it's "Drop b with both a low f# and a high f# for fun," and it delivers an incredibly deep, resonant, and expansive sound.

Technical Breakdown:

The tuning establishes the following notes from the lowest (8th) to the highest (1st) string:

• 8th String: F#2
• 7th String: B1
• 6th String: F#3
• 5th String: B2
• 4th String: E3
• 3rd String: G#4
• 2nd String: C#5
• 1st String: F#5

This 8-string configuration places F# and B as the dominant foundational notes, creating a unique sonic landscape. F# is present across three octaves (F#2, F#3, F#5) on strings 8, 6, and 1, respectively. Similarly, B appears on strings 7 (B1) and 5 (B2), providing a strong octave anchor. The open strings collectively produce the notes F#, B, E, G#, C#. When viewed with B as a root, this collection forms a Bsus2/4 chord (B, C#, E, F#, G#) with the lowest F# adding a powerful underlying fifth.

The interval structure of the lowest strings (F#2 B1 F#3) is particularly noteworthy. While not a traditional 'drop' interval from the lowest string, it creates a powerful and distinctive low-end voicing suitable for heavy, percussive riffs. The integration of E (a perfect 4th above B), G# (a major 6th above B), and C# (a major 2nd above B) adds harmonic complexity, allowing for rich, extended chords and atmospheric textures.

Verbal Impressions & Playing Potential:

This tuning is a dream for players venturing into extended-range guitar territory, particularly those in modern metal, djent, progressive rock, or experimental genres. The massive low-end F# and B notes provide an unparalleled depth and weight, perfect for earth-shattering riffs and chugging. The wide intervallic spread of F# and B across octaves enables highly resonant open chord voicings and provides a robust canvas for intricate melodic lines and solos on the higher strings. The overall feel is one of immense power, clarity, and harmonic potential, allowing for both aggressive attack and ethereal soundscapes.

Open Chords & Accessible Shapes:

• Massive Open Voicings: Strumming the open strings from 8 to 5 (F#2 B1 F#3 B2) immediately yields a full, resonant, and powerful Bsus2/4-like sound, excellent for creating heavy, droning textures.
• Power Chords: Simple two-finger power chords are readily accessible on the lower strings. For example, a B5 power chord can be formed using the 7th string (B1) and the 6th string (F#3), and an F#5 chord using the 8th string (F#2) and the 6th string (F#3). Sliding these shapes up and down the neck will maintain consistent intervals.
• Octave Riffing: The multiple F# and B notes across different octaves make it easy to create impactful unison and octave-doubled riffs, adding thickness and aggression to your playing.
• Extended Harmonies: The unique combination of notes (F#, B, E, G#, C#) allows for the creation of open, shimmering chords by selectively fretting notes on the higher strings while letting lower strings drone. Experiment with suspended and added-note chords to find unique harmonic colors.

How to Tune:

To achieve the "Drop b w/ f#" tuning, follow these precise string adjustments. Remember to always tune carefully and gradually.

• 8th String (Lowest): Tune to F#2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 7th String: Tune to B1. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 6th String: Tune to F#3. Tune this string up 2 semitones.
• 5th String: Tune to B2. Tune this string up 2 semitones.
• 4th String: Tune to E3. Tune this string up 2 semitones.
• 3rd String: Tune to G#4. Tune this string up 1 semitone.
• 2nd String: Tune to C#5. Tune this string up 2 semitones.
• 1st String (Highest): Tune to F#5. Tune this string up 2 semitones.

Important Note on String Gauge: Generally, tuning up 3 or 4 semitones requires careful attention. When tuning exceeds a change of 4 semitones (either up or down), it is advisable to consider using a different gauge string more suited to the increased or decreased tension to ensure optimal playability and prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument.

String 8: F#2

String 7: B1

String 6: F#3

String 5: B2

String 4: E3

String 3: G#4

String 2: C#5

String 1: F#5