8-string Drop E tuning (E B E A D G B E)
The deepest end of modern metal; bands like Sleep Token and Spiritbox use it on their lowest songs.
Drop E lowers the eighth string a whole step, from F♯ to E, and leaves the other seven in standard. The lowest string is now a full two octaves below the regular high E.
It gives the same one-finger power-chord shape on the bottom three strings that Drop D gives a 6-string, at the very bottom of the guitar's range.
Notes and frequencies
From the thickest string to the thinnest, at concert pitch (A4 = 440 Hz). Changed strings are highlighted.
| String | Note | Frequency (A4 = 440 Hz) | Change from standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | E1 | 41.20 Hz | −2 semitones from F♯1 |
| 7 | B1 | 61.74 Hz | as standard |
| 6 | E2 | 82.41 Hz | as standard |
| 5 | A2 | 110.00 Hz | as standard |
| 4 | D3 | 146.83 Hz | as standard |
| 3 | G3 | 196.00 Hz | as standard |
| 2 | B3 | 246.94 Hz | as standard |
| 1 | E4 | 329.63 Hz | as standard |
From standard tuning
- String 8: lower F♯1 down a whole step to E1.
The other 7 strings stay in standard.
Tuning to Drop E in TuneGlass
- Open Settings and choose 8-string guitar.
- Tap any string circle to open the tuning editor and choose Drop E from the presets, or spin the wheel of the thickest string to E. Both are free.
- Play one string at a time. The needle turns green and the scale fills when the string is in tune. Hold a string circle to hear its reference note.
Tips
- At 41.2 Hz the low E is the same pitch as a bass guitar's E string. It needs a heavy string (.080 and up) and a longer scale to feel like anything other than rubber.
- Tune it against the sixth string's open E two octaves up. If the tuner shows E but your ear says it is wobbling, check the octave in the app's Precision mode.
Questions
What are the notes in 8-string Drop E?
E B E A D G B E. Only the eighth string changes from standard, down a whole step.
Is 8-string Drop E free in TuneGlass?
Yes. The thickest string can always be retuned in the free version, on any instrument.
Related tunings
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