Tuning Analysis: ACFACGCE (8-String Fmaj9 Math Tuning)

This custom tuning, named ACFACGCE, is designed for an 8-string guitar and is explicitly described as an "Fmaj9 Math tuning". It presents a rich and harmonically dense sonic palette, offering extensive possibilities for complex voicings and resonant soundscapes.

Verbal and Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to A1, C2, F2, A2, C3, G3, C4, E4, from the lowest (8th) string to the highest (1st) string. This arrangement immediately highlights its intended purpose: a deep exploration of the Fmaj9 chord. The notes of an Fmaj9 chord are F, A, C, E, and G. All of these core Fmaj9 notes are prominently featured across the open strings of this tuning, allowing for expansive and ringing chord voicings with minimal fretting.

• The arrangement of F2, A2, C3, G3, C4, E4 (strings 6 through 1) directly provides all the essential tones of an Fmaj9 chord (F, A, C, G, E) across a wide range. For example, simply strumming strings 6, 5, 4, 3, 1 will yield a beautiful Fmaj9 chord, making it highly accessible.
• The lower strings A1, C2, F2 establish a powerful and resonant bass foundation, extending the harmonic depth. The thoughtful repetition of A and C across various octaves contributes to a strong sense of consonance and allows for thick, layered chord voicings that can create impressive sonic textures.
• Beyond the Fmaj9, the tuning inherently contains other useful open or easily reachable chords. For instance, the presence of A, C, and E hints at an A minor chord, while C, E, and G form a C major chord. These fundamental triads are readily available, expanding the tuning's versatility.
• This tuning is exceptionally well-suited for genres that benefit from complex, resonant, and expansive chords, such as progressive metal, jazz fusion, ambient music, or experimental compositions. It encourages a harmonic approach where the open strings act as a constant, rich drone or chordal bed.

How to Tune

To achieve the ACFACGCE tuning, follow these instructions carefully for each string. Always tune gradually and recheck your pitch.

• String 8 (Lowest, A1): Tune up 3 semitones.
• String 7 (C2): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 6 (F2): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 5 (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (C3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (C4): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 1 (Highest, E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Important Note on String Gauges: When making significant tuning adjustments, always exercise caution. While the string movements for this tuning are relatively minor (none exceeding +/- 3 semitones), it's generally advised that for any tuning changes exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), considering a different string gauge can help optimize playability, prevent undue stress on the string, and maintain the instrument's structural integrity.

The notes for the ACFACGCE tuning, listed from the thickest (8th) string to the thinnest (1st) string, are as follows:

• String 8: A1
• String 7: C2
• String 6: F2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: C3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: C4
• String 1: E4