Tuning Overview: Em11 / Drop A

This unique 8-string guitar tuning, internally referred to as an "Em11 but I call it a drop A", offers a deep and harmonically rich soundscape. It's designed to immediately resonate with an E minor 11 chord when played open, providing a sophisticated and atmospheric foundation. The lowest string is tuned to A1, giving it a powerful, sub-harmonic presence often favored in progressive and heavy music genres. The tuning deviates from conventional linear pitch progression across all strings, introducing intriguing intervals that can inspire fresh melodic and chordal ideas.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this 8-string guitar are: A1, E2, A2, D3, F#4, B3, E4, G4 (from lowest to highest string). This precise arrangement is crafted to form an E minor 11 (Em11) chord across the open strings (E, G, B, D, F#, A). The presence of the A1 string at the bottom acts as a powerful pedal tone, grounding the Em11 voicing with a deep, resonant bass.

A notable technical characteristic is the non-ascending pitch sequence between the 4th (F#4) and 3rd (B3) strings, where the 3rd string (B3) is actually lower in pitch than the 4th string (F#4). This creates an unconventional melodic leap, forcing a re-evaluation of standard fretboard navigation and opening doors to unique voicings and arpeggios that would be impossible in more standard tunings. The wide range from A1 to G4 (31 semitones) allows for expansive chord voicings and intricate arrangements.

Open Chords and Harmonic Possibilities

• Open Em11: The tuning inherently provides an E minor 11 chord (E-G-B-D-F#-A) across the open strings, with A1 as the lowest note, creating an Em11/A or Aadd11/E voicing. This offers an immediate, complex, and melancholic texture.
• A Power Chords: The lowest three strings (A1, E2, A2) immediately form a strong and resonant A5 power chord, ideal for heavy riffs and drone effects.
• E-based Chords: With E notes on the 7th and 2nd strings, and B on the 3rd string, various E minor or E power chord shapes are easily accessible, allowing for rapid chord changes around the E tonal center.
• Unique Arpeggios: The non-linear pitch of the 4th and 3rd strings (F#4 then B3) encourages exploration of new arpeggio patterns and allows for interesting open string dissonances.
• Drones and Pedals: The repeated A and E notes across different octaves provide excellent opportunities for sustained drone notes, adding depth and atmosphere to your playing.

How to Tune

To achieve this unique "Em11 but I call it a drop A" tuning, carefully adjust each string from its standard pitch as follows:

• String 8 (Lowest): Tune up 3 semitones to A1.
• String 7: Tune up 5 semitones to E2.
• String 6: Tune up 5 semitones to A2.
• String 5: Tune up 5 semitones to D3.
• String 4: Tune up 4 semitones to F#4.
• String 3: Tune up 4 semitones to B3.
• String 2: Tune up 5 semitones to E4.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune up 3 semitones to G4.

Important String Gauge Advisory: Please exercise caution when tuning, as all strings require significant upward adjustments (3, 4, or 5 semitones). Tuning up by 4 or more semitones places considerable tension on strings, and in many cases, a different gauge of string is strongly advised to prevent breakage and ensure optimal tone and playability. Always tune slowly and check string tension regularly.

String 8 (Lowest): A1

String 7: E2

String 6: A2

String 5: D3

String 4: F#4

String 3: B3

String 2: E4

String 1 (Highest): G4