Verbal Description

This is a highly distinctive 8-string tuning, often referred to by its open notes, which immediately forms an Am11 chord: A-E-A-C-E-G-B-D. It's crafted for players seeking a vast sonic landscape, blending the guttural power of extended-range guitars with sophisticated harmonic possibilities. Imagine the rumbling depth of a Drop A tuning combined with the rich, jazzy or progressive textures of an eleventh chord. This setup is ideal for crushing power riffs, intricate arpeggios, and expressive melodic lines across its wide range. The open strings themselves offer a melancholic yet full-bodied foundation, inviting exploration into complex harmonies and modal playing.

Technical Analysis

The tuning is structured as follows, from the lowest (8th) to the highest (1st) string:

• String 8 (A1)
• String 7 (E2)
• String 6 (A2)
• String 5 (C3)
• String 4 (E3)
• String 3 (G3)
• String 2 (B3)
• String 1 (D4)

This arrangement creates an open Am11 chord (A-C-E-G-B-D with octave duplications). The lowest three strings (A1-E2-A2) provide a powerful "Drop A" foundation, perfect for heavy rhythm work and massive power chords. The subsequent intervals of alternating minor and major thirds (A2-C3-E3-G3-B3-D4) make for highly accessible arpeggio and scale shapes. For instance, an Am7 (A-C-E-G) is available on strings 6-5-4-3. The relative consistency of these smaller intervals on the upper strings allows for easy formation of triads and tetrachords with minimal fretting, often "with one or two fingers" as the tuning description suggests. This structural consistency greatly simplifies lead playing and complex chord voicings across the higher register.

Open String Notes

The open strings for this tuning are as follows (from lowest to highest pitch):

• 8th String: A1 (Lowest Pitch)
• 7th String: E2
• 6th String: A2
• 5th String: C3
• 4th String: E3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: D4 (Highest Pitch)

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the AEACEGBD tuning, adjust your 8-string guitar as described below. Please exercise caution when tuning strings significantly up or down, as it can affect string tension and potentially require a different string gauge for optimal performance and safety.

• 8th String (A1): Tune up 3 semitones.
• 7th String (E2): Tune up 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change and may require a heavier gauge string.
• 6th String (A2): Tune up 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change and may require a heavier gauge string.
• 5th String (C3): Tune up 3 semitones.
• 4th String (E3): Tune up 2 semitones.
• 3rd String (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

For changes exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), consider using a string gauge specifically suited for the new tension to ensure playability and prevent potential string breakage or neck issues.