Tuning Overview: I Remember Silas Tuning

The "I Remember Silas Tuning" for an 8-string guitar is a deeply resonant and versatile alternative tuning, conceived with a poignant tribute in mind. As described, it's a variant of a C#A#C#G#C#F#A#D# structure, designed to offer expansive octave capabilities, facilitate easy chord formations on the higher strings, and provide a rich tapestry for rhythm and ambience on the lower strings.

Technical Analysis

This 8-string tuning presents the open notes C2#, A1, C3#, A2, C4#, E3, A3, C5# (from lowest to highest string). An immediate observation reveals a powerful A major chord voicing across the entire instrument. The open strings collectively produce the notes A, C#, and E, which are the root, major third, and perfect fifth of an A major triad. The tuning is exceptionally rich in A and C# notes, spanning multiple octaves, which contributes to its advertised "octave capabilities" and resonant character.

Specifically, the presence of C# (string 8), A (string 7), C# (string 6), A (string 5), C# (string 4), E (string 3), A (string 2), C# (string 1) creates a unique harmonic landscape. While the overall sound is A major, the lowest note being C# (the major third of A) gives it an A major first inversion feel or a distinct C# tonal center. This foundation makes it excellent for creating drone-like textures or open-string arpeggios that shimmer with A major harmony.

Chordal Possibilities

The layout is particularly conducive to "easy chords on the top strings." For instance, the top three strings (C5#, A3, E3) already form an A major triad. This allows for simple one-finger barres across these or other groups of strings to quickly create various major chords. Barring across all strings at the second fret, for example, would yield an E major chord (E/B/E/B/E/F#/B/E), leveraging the open tuning's inherent structure. The repeated A and C# notes ensure that moving simple shapes up the neck will consistently produce consonant, full-bodied chords, making it accessible for both rhythmic accompaniment and melodic phrasing. The "rhythm and ambience on the bottom strings" comes from the deep, resonant C# and A notes, which can provide a powerful, sustaining bass foundation.

How to Tune

To achieve the "I Remember Silas Tuning," carefully adjust each string to its target note. Note that several strings require significant tuning down; for drops exceeding four semitones, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension and tone. Always tune carefully and gradually.

• String 8 (Lowest String): Tune down 5 semitones to C2#. Note: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal performance.
• String 7: Tune down 2 semitones to A1.
• String 6: Tune down 3 semitones to C3#.
• String 5: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) for A2.
• String 4: Tune down 1 semitone to C4#.
• String 3: Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2: Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune down 3 semitones to C5#.