Verbal Analysis: Mertz's D-Lute 8-String

This unique 8-string classical guitar tuning, aptly named Mertz's D-Lute 8-String, draws its historical significance from the repertoire of Johann Kaspar Mertz, a renowned 19th-century composer for the guitar. It's also celebrated for its utility in adapting Baroque lute pieces, particularly those in the key of D, to the extended range of the 8-string classical guitar. This tuning significantly broadens the harmonic and melodic possibilities for a guitarist, allowing for the deep bass registers and intricate polyphonic textures characteristic of early music and romantic compositions.

Technical Analysis & Open Chords

The tuning establishes the following notes from the thickest (8th) to the thinnest (1st) string: A1, D2, E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4. This configuration is strongly rooted in the key of D, providing a rich sonic landscape. While not designed for a single open strummed chord across all strings, the tuning is highly functional for arpeggiated figures and voice leading.

• Interval Structure: Analyzing the intervals reveals a distinctive pattern from the 8th to the 1st string: A1 (Perfect 4th) D2 (Major 2nd) E2 (Perfect 4th) A2 (Perfect 4th) D3 (Perfect 4th) G3 (Major 3rd) B3 (Perfect 4th) E4. This blend of perfect fourths and major thirds creates a versatile framework.
• D Major Foundation: The combination of D2, A2, and D3 (strings 7, 5, 4) immediately provides a powerful D5 chord (D and A an octave apart), offering a solid foundation for D major and D minor harmonies throughout the neck. The A1 on the 8th string further deepens this resonance.
• Harmonic Possibilities: Playing strings D2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4 (strings 7-1) without fretting yields a Dsus4add6 or Dsus4/9 voicing (D-A-D-G-B-E). This rich, extended harmony is perfect for creating spacious, lute-like arpeggios and drones.
• Unique Voicings: The E2 on the 6th string, positioned between D2 and A2, is a distinctive feature. It allows for compelling melodic counterpoint against the D and A bass notes, creating tension and release, and facilitating modal playing, especially relevant for historical compositions.
• Playability: This tuning is ideal for classical guitarists looking to explore the works of Mertz, adapt lute music, or compose pieces with an expanded bass range and intricate polyphony. It facilitates playing in D major and minor, making common chord shapes and scale patterns in these keys intuitive after a period of adjustment.

Tuning Notes

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

• 8th String: A1
• 7th String: D2
• 6th String: E2
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: E4

How to Tune

Follow these instructions to achieve the Mertz's D-Lute 8-String tuning from a presumed standard setup for an 8-string classical guitar:

• 8th String (A1): Tune up 3 semitones to reach A1. Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones is a significant adjustment; a lighter gauge string is strongly advised if this is intended as a permanent tuning.

• 7th String (D2): Tune up 3 semitones to reach D2. Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones is a significant adjustment; a lighter gauge string is strongly advised if this is intended as a permanent tuning.

• 6th String (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

• 5th String (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

• 4th String (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

• 3rd String (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

• 2nd String (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

• 1st String (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).