This is a highly specialized and exceptionally low tuning designed for a 9-string guitar, primarily aimed at achieving massive, crushing low-end tones often associated with genres like djent, progressive metal, and experimental heavy music. As described by the creator, it facilitates playing "drop G#" an octave lower, hinting at an extremely extended range for complex, heavy riffs and sonic textures. The verbal description highlights the creator's usual preference for A# as the lowest note, making this G1# an unusually deep excursion, confirming its role for specific, intense musical applications.

Technical Analysis

The tuning features an incredibly deep foundation, starting with G1# on the 9th string. The lowest three strings (G1#, D2#, G2#) form a formidable open G# power chord (G#5), providing an immediate, resonant, and extremely heavy root. This forms the "G#/D#" part of the tuning's name and is optimized for huge, driving riffs.

The remaining six strings, typically considered the "regular" guitar range, are tuned to C3#, F3#, B2, E3, G4#, C5#. While the creator refers to this section as "C# standard," a closer technical inspection reveals a unique hybrid approach rather than a strict C# standard (C# F# B E G# C#) across consistent octaves. Specifically:

• The intervals between C3# (6th), F3# (5th), and C5# (1st) are consistent with C# standard (Perfect 4th, Perfect 4th, Perfect 4th).
• However, the B string (4th) is tuned to B2, an entire octave lower than what would typically be expected for a C# standard B string (B3). This creates a very wide, nearly two-octave jump from F3# (5th string) to B2 (4th string), making conventional open chord voicings highly impractical and suggesting a focus on specific single-note lines, dyads, or chord fragments that leverage this deep interval.
• Similarly, the G# string (2nd) is tuned to G4#, an octave higher than the expected G#3 for a C# standard tuning, creating another significant octave displacement between E3 (3rd string) and G4# (2nd string).

This unique combination of a powerful low G# root and a "C# standard" section with strategic octave shifts makes this a highly individualistic tuning. It's not designed for strumming traditional open chords but rather for intricate, wide-ranging arpeggios, power chords, and extremely heavy, percussive riffs, particularly leveraging the immense low-end provided by the G# and D# notes across the deepest strings. Players should expect to explore non-conventional chord shapes and single-note lines to fully utilize the vast tonal landscape this tuning offers.

Potential Open Chords & Voicings

• G#5 Power Chord: Strings 9, 8, and 7 (G1#, D2#, G2#) form a colossal open G#5 power chord. This will be the go-to for heavy, fundamental riffs.
• C# Power Chord: Strings 6 and 5 (C3#, F3#) provide a C#5 power chord, easily extended by including the 1st string (C5#) for a higher octave C#.
• Due to the octave discrepancies on strings 4 and 2, traditional open chords will likely sound dissonant or unwieldy. However, this opens up opportunities for unique, wide-interval voicings and dissonant clusters, particularly using the B2 and E3 alongside other notes for specific sound design.
• Octave shapes will be readily available on strings 9, 7 (both G#), and 6, 1 (both C#).

How to Tune

To achieve the G#/D# Low C# Hybrid 9-String tuning, follow these specific adjustments from your current setup:

• String 9 (Lowest): Tune down 5 semitones to G1#. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain tension and tone.)
• String 8: Tune down 3 semitones to D2#.
• String 7: Tune down 3 semitones to G2#.
• String 6: Tune down 3 semitones to C3#.
• String 5: Tune down 3 semitones to F3#.
• String 4: Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3: Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2: Tune down 3 semitones to G4#.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune down 3 semitones to C5#.