AADGCFAD Guitar Tuner

AADGCFAD 8-String Double A D Minor - Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - 8-String Double A D Minor

Title says it all 8 string guitar

This unique tuning for an 8-string guitar, which we've named "8-String Double A D Minor", is a powerhouse for players looking for a massively heavy low end combined with a versatile D minor tonality across the higher strings.

Verbal Analysis:
The defining characteristic of this tuning is the unprecedented doubling of the lowest two strings (8th and 7th) to A1. This creates an incredibly thick and resonant fundamental, perfect for crushing riffs and a wall-of-sound effect. Beyond the double A, the tuning from the 6th string upwards (D2-G2-C3-F3-A3-D4) outlines a clear D minor harmonic landscape, reminiscent of D natural minor or F major. The top D4 is an octave above the 6th string, and the A3 is an octave above the lowest A1 strings, adding to the richness and providing convenient octave voicings. This setup is ideal for genres like djent, progressive metal, and any style that demands both extreme low-end power and melodic capabilities.

Technical Analysis:

Open String Notes: A1, A1, D2, G2, C3, F3, A3, D4.
Harmonic Structure: The open strings collectively contain the notes A, C, D, F, G. This combination strongly implies a D minor 7th chord (D-F-A-C) or G minor (G-Bb-D) type sound without all notes directly stacked. The open tuning provides a complete D minor triad (D-F-A) across multiple octaves, particularly potent with the lowest D2, F3, A1, A3, and D4 notes.
Interval Relationships:
- 8th (A1) to 7th (A1): Unison (P1) - creating immense low-end density.
- 7th (A1) to 6th (D2): Perfect Fourth (P4).
- 6th (D2) to 5th (G2): Perfect Fourth (P4).
- 5th (G2) to 4th (C3): Perfect Fourth (P4).
- 4th (C3) to 3rd (F3): Perfect Fourth (P4).
- 3rd (F3) to 2nd (A3): Major Third (M3) - breaks the P4 pattern, offering standard chord voicings.
- 2nd (A3) to 1st (D4): Perfect Fourth (P4).
Open Chords and Accessible Shapes:
- The open tuning itself strongly implies a D minor chord due to the widespread D, F, and A notes. A massive open D minor chord can be achieved.
- The consecutive perfect fourths from the 6th to 3rd string (D-G-C-F) make it easy to construct power chords and translate chord shapes common in tunings like Drop D or all-fourths tunings.
- The Major Third interval (F3-A3) on strings 3 and 2 allows for more traditional triad shapes to be formed easily on the upper-middle strings, similar to standard tuning.
- The doubled A1 strings provide a colossal low-A root for riffs and power chords, enhancing the fundamental frequency significantly.
- Ideal for complex arpeggios and melodic lines within the D minor scale, leveraging the wide range and octave relationships.

This tuning offers a unique blend of extreme low-end depth and harmonic richness, providing a vast canvas for sonic exploration, particularly in heavy and progressive music.

How to Tune:

String 8 (Lowest String): Tune up 3 semitones to A1.
String 7: Tune down 2 semitones to A1.
String 6: Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
String 5: Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
String 4: Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
String 3: Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
String 2: Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
String 1 (Highest String): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Important Note on String Gauge:
All string adjustments are within the recommended range of +/- 4 semitones for standard string gauges. No specific gauge changes are advised based on these movements alone.

String 8 (Lowest): A1

String 7: A1

String 6: D2

String 5: G2

String 4: C3

String 3: F3

String 2: A3

String 1 (Highest): D4