8-string E standard tuning (E A D G C F A D)
Djent and progressive players who want the 8-string's bottom string to sit exactly on a bass E.
E standard on an 8-string lowers every string a whole step from F♯ standard: E A D G C F A D. The lowest string lands on E1 at 41.2 Hz, the same pitch as a bass guitar's E, and the intervals stay as in standard.
It is a popular tuning precisely because the bottom four strings match a bass: riffs double cleanly, and the shapes transfer from a 6-string in D standard.
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 | A1 | 55.00 Hz | −2 semitones from B1 |
| 6 | D2 | 73.42 Hz | −2 semitones from E2 |
| 5 | G2 | 98.00 Hz | −2 semitones from A2 |
| 4 | C3 | 130.81 Hz | −2 semitones from D3 |
| 3 | F3 | 174.61 Hz | −2 semitones from G3 |
| 2 | A3 | 220.00 Hz | −2 semitones from B3 |
| 1 | D4 | 293.66 Hz | −2 semitones from E4 |
From standard tuning
- String 8: lower F♯1 down a whole step to E1.
- String 7: lower B1 down a whole step to A1.
- String 6: lower E2 down a whole step to D2.
- String 5: lower A2 down a whole step to G2.
- String 4: lower D3 down a whole step to C3.
- String 3: lower G3 down a whole step to F3.
- String 2: lower B3 down a whole step to A3.
- String 1: lower E4 down a whole step to D4.
Tuning to E standard in TuneGlass
- Open Settings and choose 8-string guitar.
- Tap any string circle to open the tuning editor and choose E standard from the presets. Presets beyond the thickest string are part of TuneGlass Pro, a one-time purchase.
- 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
- Everything moves a whole step, so a heavier set and a second tuning pass are both worth it.
- The low E is the limit of what a phone microphone resolves comfortably. Pluck once, softly, and let the detector settle; in TuneGlass make sure the instrument is set to 8-string guitar.
Questions
What is 8-string E standard?
E A D G C F A D: every string a whole step below 8-string F♯ standard.
E standard vs Drop E on an 8-string?
Drop E lowers only the eighth string to E and keeps the rest in F♯ standard. E standard lowers all eight strings.
Related tunings
English