The "Gibbs' High F#" is a strikingly heavy and experimental guitar tuning, popularized by Andy Gibbs of Thou, and deeply rooted in the soundscapes of doom, sludge, and experimental metal.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning offers a massive, resonant low end combined with interesting harmonic possibilities in the upper register. The prevalence of F# and C# as open strings creates a powerful, droning foundation, lending itself to colossal riffs and atmospheric textures. It's designed for a dark, intense, and often dissonant sound, perfect for the heavy and emotionally charged music it's associated with. The vast number of songs listed in its original description, many with themes of despair, aggression, and the macabre, underscore its suitability for extreme genres, promising a sound that is both crushing and uniquely atmospheric.

Technical Analysis

The open strings for this tuning are: F#2 C#3 F#3 E3 G#4 C#5. Let's break down the intervals and potential harmonies:

• The lowest three strings (F#2, C#3, F#3) form a colossal F# Power Chord (F#5) spanning two octaves. This provides an incredibly deep, thick, and resonant foundation, ideal for heavy, droning riffs.
• The interval from F#3 (4th string) to E3 (3rd string) creates a minor 7th relationship (E is a minor 7th below F#), adding tension and a darker melodic possibility.
• The upper strings (C#3, E3, G#4, C#5, considering their full range) prominently feature the notes C#, E, G#, which clearly outline a C# minor triad. Specifically, strings 5, 3, 2, and 1 (C# E G# C#) form an open C# minor chord.
• Overall, the tuning presents a deep F# root supporting a C# minor tonality, making it versatile for both driving, low-end riffs and more melancholic or atmospheric chord progressions. The overall character is dark and powerful.

Chord Accessibility & Playability

• The open 6th, 5th, and 4th strings (F# C# F#) immediately provide a thunderous F#5 power chord, ready for aggressive riffing and powerful drones.
• The open C# minor chord shape across strings 5, 3, 2, and 1 (C# E G# C#) is easily transposed by barring a single fret. This makes it straightforward to access various minor chords across the upper register by simply moving this shape up or down the neck.
• The E on the 3rd string creates interesting harmonic possibilities, enabling suspensions or complex extensions when combined with the F# and C# roots, leading to chords like F#sus2/E or C#m(add4).
• This tuning is exceptionally well-suited for single-note riffs on the lower strings, leveraging the extreme low F#, and for crafting complex, sustained chords with prominent open string drones.

String Gauge Recommendation

Given the significant downtuning across all strings, especially the lowest three strings (6th, 5th, 4th) which are tuned down 10, 8, and 8 semitones respectively, a much heavier gauge string set is highly recommended to maintain adequate tension, intonation, and prevent fret buzz. Even the higher strings are tuned down 3 semitones, indicating that heavier gauges would be beneficial for overall playability and tone stability in this extreme low tuning. For drops of this magnitude, an entirely new string set designed for baritone or extended range guitars may be necessary.

String 6: F#2

String 5: C#3

String 4: F#3

String 3: E3

String 2: G#4

String 1: C#5

How to Tune:

For best results, it is recommended to start from standard guitar tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and proceed as follows. Please note that for movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, a different gauge string is generally advised. Be cautious with strings that require large movements.

• String 6 (Standard Low E): Tune down 10 semitones. The target note is F#2. This is a very significant drop, and a much heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 5 (Standard A): Tune down 8 semitones. The target note is C#3. This is a substantial drop, and a heavier gauge string is advised.
• String 4 (Standard D): Tune down 8 semitones. The target note is F#3. This is a substantial drop, and a heavier gauge string is advised.
• String 3 (Standard G): Tune down 3 semitones. The target note is E3.
• String 2 (Standard B): Tune down 3 semitones. The target note is G#4.
• String 1 (Standard High E): Tune down 3 semitones. The target note is C#5.