The tuning presented as "Drop F# - 8 string" for an 8-string guitar is a uniquely low and heavy tuning that ventures into unconventional territory. While the tuning's description states "Drop F# on an 8 string with standard intervals," a closer technical analysis of the provided notes reveals a significant deviation from typical "standard intervals" beyond the lowest string, and a highly unusual non-monotonic pitch progression.

Technical Analysis:

This 8-string tuning sets the lowest string (String 8) to a formidable F2#. However, the subsequent strings do not follow the expected ascending pattern or standard intervals (like perfect fourths or a major third). Instead, we observe the following sequence from lowest to highest string:

• String 8: F2# (The foundation, very low.)
• String 7: C3# (A perfect fifth above String 8 - F# to C#.)
• String 6: F3# (A perfect fourth above String 7 - C# to F#.)
• String 5: B2 (This is a dramatic drop of a diminished sixth from String 6. B2 is significantly lower than C3# and F3#, creating a highly unusual pitch arrangement where String 5 is lower than Strings 6 and 7. This setup would likely require very specific string gauges to ensure playability and proper tension across the instrument.)
• String 4: E3 (A perfect fourth above String 5 - B to E.)
• String 3: A3 (A perfect fourth above String 4 - E to A.)
• String 2: C5# (An augmented second/major third above String 3 - A to C#.)
• String 1: F5# (A perfect fourth above String 2 - C# to F#.)

The non-linear pitch progression, particularly the deep drop to B2 on String 5, makes this tuning exceptionally unique and deviates from conventional guitar tunings. This could potentially lead to interesting harmonic possibilities or require a completely different approach to playing and chord voicings.

Open Chords and Harmonic Possibilities:

Despite its unconventional nature, the open strings offer some intriguing harmonic potential. The presence of F2#, C3#, F3#, E3, and A3 across Strings 8, 7, 6, 4, and 3 forms an open F# minor 7th (F#m7) chord (F#-A-C#-E). This suggests a dark, resonant, and complex harmonic foundation. The highest two strings, C5# and F5#, add a perfect fourth (or C#5 power chord) which could either extend the F#m7 harmony or introduce additional color. While traditional open chord shapes will be highly limited due to the wide and non-standard intervals, the underlying F#m7 harmony can be a creative starting point for compositions or riffing, particularly in genres that favor complex, heavy, and dissonant textures such as progressive metal or experimental music.

Open String Notes:

Here are the notes for each open string, from the lowest (thickest) to the highest (thinnest):

• String 8 (Low F#): F2#
• String 7: C3#
• String 6: F3#
• String 5: B2
• String 4: E3
• String 3: A3
• String 2: C5#
• String 1 (High F#): F5#

How to Tune:

To achieve the "Drop F# - 8 string" tuning, follow these precise adjustments from your current setup. All movements are given in semitones. Remember to tune slowly and carefully.

• String 8 (F2#): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your lowest string should already be F2#.
• String 7 (C3#): Tune up 2 semitones to reach C3#.
• String 6 (F3#): Tune up 2 semitones to reach F3#.
• String 5 (B2): Tune up 2 semitones to reach B2.
• String 4 (E3): Tune up 2 semitones to reach E3.
• String 3 (A3): Tune up 2 semitones to reach A3.
• String 2 (C5#): Tune up 2 semitones to reach C5#.
• String 1 (F5#): Tune up 2 semitones to reach F5#.

Important Note on String Gauge: Adjusting strings by 2 semitones up generally falls within safe limits for standard string gauges. However, for tunings involving shifts of 4 semitones or more (up or down), it is often advisable to consider a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension, intonation, and string life. This particular tuning involves only 2 semitone adjustments upwards for most strings, which should be manageable with a suitable 8-string set.