Overview: Loathe's Ab Drop Tuning

This is a unique and extremely low tuning, famously utilized by the UK band Loathe to craft their distinctive heavy and atmospheric sound. It pushes the boundaries of conventional guitar tuning, descending deep into the lower registers to create a dark, resonant sonic landscape.

Technical Analysis:

• The tuning is an extensive modification of standard EADGBe, with all strings tuned down significantly. The lowest string drops a massive 8 semitones from E to G♯2 (Ab2).
• The open notes are G♯2 – D♯3 – G♯3 – C♯4 – F♯4 – A♯4.
• The intervals between the strings are as follows:
  • 6th (G♯) to 5th (D♯): Perfect 5th
  • 5th (D♯) to 4th (G♯): Perfect 4th
  • 4th (G♯) to 3rd (C♯): Perfect 4th
  • 3rd (C♯) to 2nd (F♯): Perfect 4th
  • 2nd (F♯) to 1st (A♯): Major 3rd
• This configuration presents a distinct "drop" tuning characteristic on the lower strings, where the 6th string (G♯) is tuned a perfect fifth below the 5th string (D♯), and the 4th string is an octave of the 6th, creating an open G♯5 power chord.

Verbal Analysis & Musical Implications:

• The extremely low G♯ on the 6th string provides a deep, guttural foundation, ideal for crushing riffs and heavy breakdown sections.
• The arrangement of the lower three strings (G♯ – D♯ – G♯) immediately offers an open G♯ power chord (G♯5), making it incredibly easy to execute powerful, low-end riffs with a single finger barring across these strings. This is a hallmark of "drop" style tunings, facilitating rapid, heavy chord changes.
• While the overall open tuning (G♯ D♯ G♯ C♯ F♯ A♯) doesn't form a simple major or minor chord, it can be interpreted as a complex G♯sus4(add ♭7, add 9) or a D♯sus2 (add ♭7, add 11, add 13) depending on the root emphasis. This complexity lends itself to atmospheric and dissonant chord voicings when all strings are strummed open.
• The consistent perfect fourth intervals between strings 5-2 (D♯ to F♯) mean that many standard chord shapes that rely on these intervals can be directly translated, albeit significantly lower in pitch. The major third between the 2nd and 1st strings (F♯ to A♯) brings a familiar element from standard tuning, allowing for certain higher-register lead lines and arpeggios to feel somewhat natural.
• This tuning is perfectly suited for genres like progressive metal, djent, and ambient metal, where deep resonance, heavy chugging, and expansive soundscapes are paramount. The immense slack on the strings due to the dramatic down-tuning can also be exploited for unique string bends and percussive techniques.

Tuning Notes:

The open notes for Loathe's Ab Drop Tuning are as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): G♯2 (Ab2)
• String 5 (A): D♯3 (Eb3)
• String 4 (D): G♯3 (Ab3)
• String 3 (G): C♯4 (Db4)
• String 2 (B): F♯4 (Gb4)
• String 1 (High E): A♯4 (Bb4)

How to Tune:

To achieve Loathe's Ab Drop Tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string movements:

• String 6 (Low E to G♯2): Tune down 8 semitones.
• String 5 (A to D♯3): Tune down 6 semitones.
• String 4 (D to G♯3): Tune down 6 semitones.
• String 3 (G to C♯4): Tune down 6 semitones.
• String 2 (B to F♯4): Tune down 5 semitones.
• String 1 (High E to A♯4): Tune down 6 semitones.

Important String Gauge Advice: Given that all strings are tuned down by 5 semitones or more (some significantly, like 8 semitones for the 6th string), it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set than standard. This will help maintain proper string tension, intonation, and playability, preventing the strings from becoming too floppy or difficult to keep in tune at such low pitches. Without a heavier gauge, you may experience poor tone, buzzing, and difficulty staying in tune.