Prepare for an earth-shattering sonic experience with the Extreme Drop F# (8-String) tuning. This incredibly deep and resonant tuning, famously utilized by TiffuZeless on YouTube with a Meshuggah Ibanez M80M and Lundgren pickups, is designed for the heaviest and most articulate low-end riffing. It establishes a truly foundational F#1 on the lowest 8th string, then builds upon it with a unique adaptation of Drop F# across the remaining seven strings.

Technically, the tuning descends to a formidable F#1 on the 8th string, an octave below the F#2 on the 7th string. This immediate octave relationship provides an immense, thick wall of sound for power chords and open string drones, perfect for achieving that crushing, low-end rumble. Moving higher, strings 7, 6, and 5 are tuned to F#2, C#3, and F#3 respectively. This creates a perfect F# power chord (Root-Fifth-Root) easily accessible with a single finger barre, ideal for rapid, heavy chugging and delivering brutal low-end impact.

The unique arrangement continues with B2 on string 4, E3 on string 3, G#4 on string 2, and C#5 on string 1. While not forming a standard open chord across all strings, the intervals of a perfect fourth (G#4-C#5) on the highest two strings provide familiarity for lead lines and higher voicings, akin to the top two strings of standard tuning. The combination of B2, E3, G#4 creates interesting harmonic possibilities, hinting at suspended or minor extended chords when combined with the lower F# strings. The overall landscape suggests a rich, often dissonant, but powerful harmonic canvas for extended-range metal, allowing for very heavy, percussive riffs and complex low-register harmonies.

How to Tune: Extreme Drop F# (8-String)

Achieving this monumental tuning requires significant adjustments. Please ensure your instrument is properly set up for such low tunings, potentially requiring heavier gauge strings, especially for the lowest strings. Proceed with care when tuning:

• 8th String (F#1): Tune down 12 semitones. This is a full octave drop, and a significantly heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain optimal tension and intonation.
• 7th String (F#2): Tune down 5 semitones. This is a substantial drop, and a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance and preventing floppiness.
• 6th String (C#3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• 5th String (F#3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• 4th String (B2): Tune down 3 semitones.
• 3rd String (E3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• 2nd String (G#4): Tune down 3 semitones.
• 1st String (C#5): Tune down 3 semitones.

Here are the open notes for the Extreme Drop F# (8-String) tuning, from the lowest (8th string) to the highest (1st string):

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