Bass tuning

Drop A (A-E-A-D)

Drop A leaves the bass at A-E-A-D, a very low tuning that lowers the strings and sinks the lowest to a deep A. The two lowest strings sit an octave apart, ready for one-finger power chords.

The tuner opens already preconfigured; you only need to allow microphone access.

Strings and frequencies

How it sounds

It is low, brutal and very heavy, meant for the most extreme modern metal and for backing seven- or eight-string guitars. The low A string demands gauge and technique to sound defined.

Styles and genres

Recommended string gauges

Extra-heavy gauge territory: 0.065-0.130 or more so the low A has tension and attack. With normal strings it would sound loose, diffuse and buzz hopelessly.

Tuning tip

Isolate the low end with technique: mute the strings you are not playing with your palm and thumb, because this low any stray resonance turns the sound into an undefined mud.