Metal Tuning Fundamentals
Metal guitar tunings have evolved from traditional standard tuning to accommodate the genre's demand for heavier, more aggressive sounds. Understanding these tunings is essential for any serious metal guitarist looking to capture authentic tones and play modern metal music effectively.
Why Metal Uses Lower Tunings
Sonic Benefits
- • Enhanced low-end: Deeper frequencies create crushing heaviness
- • Increased sustain: Lower tension strings vibrate longer
- • Harmonic richness: More complex overtone relationships
- • String bendability: Easier bending for aggressive techniques
- • Chord voicings: New harmonic possibilities unavailable in standard
Playing Advantages
- • Power chord simplicity: Drop tunings enable one-finger power chords
- • Riff construction: Lower notes allow heavier-sounding riffs
- • Extended range: Access to lower notes without 7+ string guitars
- • Genre authenticity: Match original recordings exactly
- • Creative inspiration: New tunings spark different musical ideas
Evolution of Metal Tunings
1970s-80s: The Foundation
Early metal bands like Black Sabbath pioneered lower tunings, with Tony Iommi using C# and Eb tunings to accommodate his injured fingertips. This established the precedent for heavier sounds.
1990s: Alternative & Nu-Metal
Bands like Korn, Deftones, and Tool popularized 7-string guitars and extreme drop tunings, pushing the boundaries with Drop A and even lower tunings for unprecedented heaviness.
2000s-Present: Djent & Extended Range
Modern progressive metal and djent genres utilize 8+ string guitars, with bands like Meshuggah and Periphery using 8-string guitars tuned to F# standard for ultimate low-end and range.
Popular Heavy Tunings
These tunings form the backbone of modern metal music. Each offers unique sonic characteristics and playing advantages that have made them staples in the metal guitarist's arsenal.
Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
Characteristics
- • Frequency: Low C at 65.41 Hz
- • Tension: Moderate, requires .011-.056+ strings
- • Sound: Deep, crushing, yet articulate
- • Playability: One-finger power chords on bottom 3 strings
- • Popular in: Metalcore, Nu-metal, Alternative metal
Famous Users
- • Alter Bridge: Extensive use across discography
- • Bullet for My Valentine: Signature sound
- • Godsmack: Many popular tracks
- • Nickelback: Commercial rock anthems
- • Three Days Grace: Modern rock hits
Recommended String Set
Ernie Ball Heavy Bottom Slinky (.011-.052, $6-9) or D'Addario EXL117 (.011-.056, $7-10) provide excellent tension and clarity for Drop C tuning.
Drop B (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#)
Characteristics
- • Frequency: Low B at 61.74 Hz
- • Tension: Lower, requires .012-.060+ strings
- • Sound: Extremely heavy, modern djent-friendly
- • Playability: Excellent for palm-muted chugging
- • Popular in: Djent, Progressive metal, Deathcore
Famous Users
- • Lamb of God: Aggressive modern metal
- • Machine Head: Heavy groove metal
- • Five Finger Death Punch: Commercial metal
- • Parkway Drive: Australian metalcore
- • Wage War: Modern metalcore
C Standard (C-F-Bb-Eb-G-C)
Characteristics
- • Approach: All strings tuned down 2 semitones
- • Benefits: Maintains familiar chord shapes
- • Sound: Deep but retains note definition
- • Versatility: Works for both rhythm and lead
- • Learning curve: Minimal for standard tuning players
Applications
- • Black Sabbath: Pioneer of heavy tunings
- • Sleep: Stoner/doom metal standard
- • Electric Wizard: Ultra-heavy doom
- • High on Fire: Sludge metal aggression
- • Monolord: Modern doom metal
Extended Range Guitars
Extended range guitars have become essential tools in modern metal, providing access to lower registers and expanded harmonic possibilities without the need for alternate tunings. Understanding these instruments is crucial for serious metal players looking to expand their sonic palette.
7-String Guitars
Standard Tuning (B-E-A-D-G-B-E)
- • Low B frequency: 61.74 Hz
- • Range advantage: Additional 5 semitones below 6-string
- • Learning curve: Familiar patterns on top 6 strings
- • String gauge: Typically .010-.059 or .011-.064
- • Scale length: Often 25.5" to 27" for proper tension
Popular 7-String Models
- • Schecter Omen-7: $300-450 - Excellent entry level
- • Ibanez RG7421: $400-550 - Modern versatility
- • ESP LTD MH-417: $500-750 - Professional features
- • Jackson Pro Series Soloist SL7: $600-850
- • ESP E-II Horizon-7: $1200-1800 - Premium quality
Famous 7-String Users
Steve Vai (pioneered 7-string in rock), Munky & Head (Korn), Matt Heafy (Trivium), Keith Merrow (solo artist), and countless modern metal bands use 7-strings as their primary instruments.
8-String Guitars
Standard Tuning (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E)
- • Low F# frequency: 46.25 Hz
- • Ultimate range: 4 full octaves available
- • Djent perfect: Ideal for modern progressive metal
- • String gauge: Typically .009-.080 or .010-.084
- • Scale options: 26.5" to 30" for various tensions
Premium 8-String Options
- • Schecter Omen-8: $400-600 - Best entry point
- • Ibanez RGD2120Z: $700-900 - Professional grade
- • Jackson Pro Series SL8: $800-1000
- • ESP LTD Stephen Carpenter SC-608B: $1000-1300
- • Strandberg Boden Original 8: $2000-3000+
8-String Pioneers
Meshuggah
Swedish extreme metal band that pioneered 8-string use in metal, utilizing ultra-low tunings and polyrhythmic complexity that defined the djent genre.
Modern Users
Periphery, TesseracT, Animals as Leaders, Born of Osiris, Veil of Maya, and countless progressive metal bands have made 8-strings their primary instruments.
9+ String Guitars & Extreme Range
While less common, 9-string guitars and beyond push the boundaries of what's possible in metal. Artists like Tosin Abasi (Animals as Leaders) use custom 8 and 9-string guitars for unprecedented range.
Ultra-Extended Options
- • 9-string: Custom builds, $2000-5000+
- • Baritone guitars: 27-30" scale, $800-3000
- • Fanned fret systems: Optimize intonation, $1500-4000+
- • Headless designs: Strandberg, Kiesel, $1500-3500
Considerations
- • Extended range requires adjusted playing technique
- • Pickup selection crucial for clarity in low registers
- • Professional setup essential for optimal performance
- • String selection impacts playability and tone significantly
String Gauge Selection Guide
Choosing the right string gauge is crucial for achieving optimal tone, playability, and tuning stability in metal tunings. Heavier gauges provide better tension and clarity in lower tunings, while lighter gauges offer easier bending and faster playing.
Recommended String Gauges by Tuning
Drop C / C Standard
Recommended Sets
- • Ernie Ball Heavy Bottom Slinky: .011-.052 ($6-9)
- • D'Addario EXL117: .011-.056 ($7-10)
- • Elixir Nanoweb Heavy: .012-.052 ($15-18)
- • DR Strings Drop-Down Tuning: .011-.054 ($8-12)
Tension Characteristics
- • Excellent balance of playability and tone
- • Suitable for both rhythm and lead playing
- • Good intonation across the fretboard
- • Moderate string tension for comfortable playing
Drop B / B Standard
Heavy Gauge Sets
- • Ernie Ball Not Even Slinky: .012-.056 ($6-9)
- • D'Addario EXL140: .010-.052 + custom low string
- • DR Strings DDT: .011-.050 + .060 low ($9-13)
- • Circle K Strings Balanced: .012-.062 ($12-16)
Ultra-Heavy Options
- • Kalium Strings: Custom gauges, .013-.070+
- • Stringjoy Custom: Balanced tension sets
- • La Bella HRS: .013-.056 heavy rock set
- • Consider wound G string for extreme low tunings
7-String & 8-String Considerations
7-String Standard Sets
- • D'Addario EXL120-7: .009-.054 ($8-12)
- • Ernie Ball 7-String: .010-.056 ($7-11)
- • DR Strings 7-String: .010-.056 ($9-13)
- • Elixir 7-String: .010-.056 ($16-20)
8-String Extended Sets
- • D'Addario EXL140-8: .010-.074 ($10-15)
- • Ernie Ball 8-String: .009-.080 ($8-13)
- • Kalium 8-String: Custom balanced sets ($15-25)
- • Circle K 8-String: .009/.010-.084+ ($12-18)
String Material & Coating Options
Uncoated Strings
- • Nickel-plated steel: Balanced tone, most common
- • Pure nickel: Vintage tone, warmer sound
- • Stainless steel: Bright, aggressive tone
- • Pros: Natural feel, lower cost, immediate tone
- • Cons: Shorter lifespan, more frequent changes needed
Coated Strings
- • Elixir Nanoweb: Longest lasting, natural feel
- • D'Addario XS: Extended life with bright tone
- • DR Strings Black Beauties: Colored coating option
- • Pros: 3-5x longer life, consistent tone
- • Cons: Higher cost, slightly different feel
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular metal guitar tunings?
The most popular metal tunings include Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D), Drop B (B-F#-B-E-G#-C#), C Standard (C-F-Bb-Eb-G-C), and 7-string standard (B-E-A-D-G-B-E). Each provides different levels of heaviness and tonal characteristics suited for various metal subgenres.
Is a 7-string guitar worth it for metal?
Yes, 7-string guitars offer extended range perfect for modern metal. Quality options include Schecter Omen-7 ($300-450), Ibanez RG7421 ($400-550), or premium models like ESP E-II Horizon-7 ($1200-1800). The low B string enables deeper riffs without alternate tunings.
What string gauges work best for Drop C tuning?
For Drop C tuning, use heavy gauge strings like .011-.056 or .012-.060 sets. Brands like Ernie Ball Heavy Bottom Slinky (.011-.052, $6-9) or D'Addario EXL117 (.011-.056, $7-10) provide excellent tension and tone for lower tunings.
Do I need special equipment for djent and progressive metal tunings?
Djent requires tight, percussive tone achievable with 7/8-string guitars, high-gain amps like Axe-Fx III ($2200-2500) or Kemper Profiler ($1600-2000), noise gates like ISP Decimator II ($150-180), and extended range guitars from brands like Strandberg ($1500-3000+).
How much does a professional guitar setup cost for metal tunings?
Professional setups for metal tunings typically cost $75-150, including intonation, action adjustment, and pickup height optimization. Extended range guitars or extreme tunings may cost $100-200 due to additional complexity and setup time required.
Complete Gear Setup for Metal Tunings
Achieving professional metal tones requires the right combination of guitar, amplification, and accessories. Here's a comprehensive guide to building your ultimate metal rig across different budget ranges.
Budget Setup ($500-1500)
Essential Gear
- • Guitar: Schecter Omen-7 ($300-450)
- • Amp: Orange Micro Dark ($150-200)
- • Cabinet: Orange PPC112 ($200-300)
- • Strings: Heavy gauge sets ($8-15)
- • Setup: Professional setup ($75-100)
- • Total: $733-1065
Upgrade Path
- • Add noise gate: ISP Decimator II ($150-180)
- • Upgrade pickups: EMG 707 set ($150-200)
- • Better cabinet: Orange PPC212 ($350-450)
- • Professional cables and accessories ($50-100)
- • Enhanced total: $1433-1995
Professional Setup ($2000-5000)
High-End Components
- • Guitar: ESP E-II Horizon-7 ($1200-1800)
- • Amplifier: ENGL Powerball II ($1800-2200)
- • Cabinet: ENGL E212VH ($600-800)
- • Noise Gate: ISP Decimator Pro Rack G ($300-400)
- • Wireless: Shure GLXD16 ($300-400)
Studio Additions
- • Interface: Universal Audio Apollo ($500-800)
- • Monitors: Yamaha HS8 pair ($400-600)
- • Software: Neural DSP Archetype ($100-150)
- • Premium strings: Multiple sets ($100-200)
- • Total range: $5300-7350
Studio & Touring Rig ($5000+)
Professional touring and studio setups require redundancy, reliability, and ultimate tone quality. This level includes custom guitars, boutique amplifiers, and professional-grade accessories.
Ultimate Guitar Setup
- • Primary: Strandberg Boden 8 ($2500-3500)
- • Backup: ESP USA Custom ($3000-5000)
- • Amplifier: Diezel VH4 ($3500-4000)
- • Cabinets: Multiple configurations ($1500-3000)
Professional Accessories
- • Rack system: Complete signal chain ($2000-4000)
- • Monitoring: In-ear system ($1000-2000)
- • Cases: Flight cases for all gear ($1000-2000)
- • Maintenance: Tech services and spares ($500-1000)