This unique 8-string guitar tuning, internally referred to as "Dm11," is a fascinating and deep exploration into rich harmonic landscapes. As described by its creator, it began as a 7-string concept, further expanded and modified for an 8-string instrument by adding a low G (though the final tuning has A1 as the lowest note) and adjusting other strings like tuning a D up to an E to enhance the overall sound. The result is a vibrant, full-bodied tuning that encourages expansive chord voicings and melodic play across the entire fretboard.

Verbal Analysis

The "Dm11" tuning offers a surprisingly lush and resonant sound, particularly for an 8-string setup. The open strings resonate beautifully to form a complete D minor 11 chord (D-F-A-C-E-G), but with the lowest string being an A1, it provides a strong root for A minor or F major contexts as well. This creates a versatile harmonic base, perfect for genres ranging from progressive metal and jazz fusion to ambient soundscapes and intricate fingerstyle. The presence of multiple notes across octaves (A, G) contributes to a dense, symphonic feel when strummed, while the mixed intervals encourage unique melodic phrasing and arpeggiations. It feels grounded yet open, allowing for both heavy riffing and delicate harmonic exploration. Players will find that familiar chord shapes take on new, often unexpected, sonic qualities.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this 8-string tuning are A1, E2, G2, C3, F3, A3, D4, G4. Analyzing the intervals from the lowest string (A1):

• String 8 (A1): Root
• String 7 (E2): Perfect 5th (P5) above A1
• String 6 (G2): Minor 7th (m7) above A1
• String 5 (C3): Minor 3rd (m3) above A1 (octave higher)
• String 4 (F3): Perfect 4th (P4) above C3, or Major 6th (M6) above A1 (octave higher)
• String 3 (A3): Octave (P8) above A1
• String 2 (D4): Perfect 4th (P4) above A3, or Perfect 11th (P11) above A1
• String 1 (G4): Perfect 4th (P4) above D4, or Minor 7th (m7) above A3, or Minor 14th (m14) above A1

The tuning features a strong Dm11 chord (D-F-A-C-E-G) spread across the open strings. The interval structure is varied: a P5 followed by m3 in the lower strings (A1-E2-G2), then a sequence of P4, P4, M3, P4, P4 across the middle and upper strings (G2-C3-F3-A3-D4-G4). The consecutive Perfect 4ths between G2-C3, C3-F3, A3-D4, and D4-G4 provide a familiar and logical framework for building chords and scales, reminiscent of standard tuning's E-A-D-G. The M3 between F3-A3 adds a specific flavor, enabling natural access to major and minor triads within that section.

Open Chords & Voicings

This tuning inherently forms a rich Dm11 chord across its open strings, making it an excellent starting point for modal explorations. Other readily available open voicings include:

• Am7(add4/11): (A-C-E-G-D) using strings A1, C3, E2, G2, D4.
• Fmaj9sus4: (F-A-C-G-D) using strings F3, A3, C3, G4, D4.
• Gsus4(no5): (G-C-D) using G2, C3, D4, or G4.

Due to the clustered nature and repeating notes, barre chords will often yield complex and full voicings. The presence of the root (A), fifth (E), and minor seventh (G) on the lowest three strings makes for very powerful and deep power chords or low-end riffs.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Dm11" tuning for your 8-string guitar, please follow these instructions carefully. Always use a reliable tuner. Pay particular attention to string 7, which requires a significant adjustment.

• String 8 (Lowest): Tune up 3 semitones to A1.
• String 7: Tune up 5 semitones to E2. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant tension increase. Consider using a lighter gauge string for this position to prevent breakage and neck stress.
• String 6: Tune up 3 semitones to G2.
• String 5: Tune up 3 semitones to C3.
• String 4: Tune up 3 semitones to F3.
• String 3: Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• String 2: Tune up 3 semitones to D4.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune up 3 semitones to G4.

String 8: A1

String 7: E2

String 6: G2

String 5: C3

String 4: F3

String 3: A3

String 2: D4

String 1: G4