what is better drop 5 or drop 8

Natashya

2 min read

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23-12-2024

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Choosing between a drop 5 and a drop 8 tuning depends heavily on the music you play and your personal preferences. Both tunings offer unique sonic characteristics and playability, making the "better" option subjective. This article will delve into the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Drop Tunings

Before diving into the specifics, let's clarify what drop tunings are. They involve lowering the pitch of one or more strings, typically the lowest string(s), creating a heavier, lower sound. This is popular in genres like metal, hard rock, and doom metal.

• Drop D Tuning: This involves lowering only the lowest string (typically the sixth string on a six-string guitar) to D.
• Drop C Tuning: Lowers the lowest string to C.
• Drop B Tuning: Lowers the lowest string to B.
• Drop 5 Tuning: Lowers the lowest 5 strings to create a five-note pattern. This usually means that the low string is tuned down five half-steps.
• Drop 8 Tuning: Lowers the lowest 8 strings to create a eight-note pattern. This typically involves adjusting all the strings down several half-steps.

Drop 5 Tuning: A Deeper Dive

Drop 5 tuning is a popular choice for several reasons. The exact tuning varies slightly depending on the desired effect, but a common variation tunes the strings to (from thickest to thinnest): B, E, A, D, G, D.

Pros:

• Heavy, Powerful Sound: The lower tuning produces a heavier, more powerful sound, ideal for genres like metalcore and djent.
• Easier Chords: Many power chords and riffs become simpler to play in drop 5, requiring less finger stretching.
• Unique Timbre: Offers a unique sonic texture not found in standard tuning.

Cons:

• String Tension: Lower tuning reduces string tension, potentially impacting sustain and making the strings feel looser.
• Heavier Gauge Strings: Using heavier gauge strings is often necessary to compensate for reduced tension, potentially affecting playability.
• Neck Relief: You might need to adjust your guitar's neck relief to accommodate the heavier strings.

Drop 8 Tuning: Exploring the Extremes

Drop 8 tuning takes things even further, lowering all the strings significantly. This results in an extremely low and heavy sound, perfect for the heaviest styles of metal. The specific tuning varies, but generally features significantly lower notes than standard tuning.

Pros:

• Extreme Low-End: Offers a truly devastating low-end rumble, ideal for ultra-heavy music.
• Unique Sonic Landscape: Creates a sound rarely heard outside extreme metal subgenres.

Cons:

• Extremely Loose Strings: String tension becomes incredibly low, potentially resulting in poor sustain and intonation.
• Extremely Heavy Gauge Strings: Exceptionally heavy gauge strings are practically mandatory, drastically altering playability. Some players use 8-string guitars specifically designed for these tunings.
• Significant Setup Adjustments: Requires major adjustments to the guitar's setup, including neck relief, intonation, and potentially bridge adjustments.

Which Tuning is Better?

The "better" tuning entirely depends on your musical goals and preferences.

• Choose Drop 5 if: You want a heavier sound than standard tuning, but still want relatively good playability and sustain. It's a good middle ground.
• Choose Drop 8 if: You're playing in extreme metal subgenres and prioritize an exceptionally heavy, low sound above all else. Be prepared for significant setup challenges and a very different playing experience.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to experiment. If you have access to both tunings, try them out and see which one feels and sounds better for your style of playing. Consider the genres you play and what kind of sonic landscape you aim to create.