Tuning Analysis: Open D + A Major (Dean Murphy 8-String)

This unique 8-string guitar tuning, featured in Dean Murphy's song "Red Rocks," masterfully combines elements of Open D and A Major to forge a rich, resonant, and expansive soundscape. It offers an immense sonic range, stretching from a deeply rumbling D1 on the lowest string to a bright, clear C#5 on the highest.

Verbal Analysis:

The immediate impression of this tuning is one of immense depth and power, largely driven by the very low D1 and A1 on the heaviest strings. The sequential D-A-D-A-D pattern across strings 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4 establishes a robust and consistent harmonic foundation, evoking a powerful D5 power chord or an extremely extended Drop D feel. This arrangement allows for incredible resonance and sustain when the lower strings are strummed open. The introduction of E3 on the 3rd string adds an intriguing harmonic texture, functioning as a major 2nd or major 9th to the D-based root. Progressing upwards, the A3 on the 2nd string reinforces the A-centric components, while the brilliant C#5 on the 1st string perfectly completes an A Major triad (A-C#-E) and adds a major 7th quality to the broader D-based harmony. This clever blend empowers musicians to craft both driving, drone-infused passages and shimmering, open major chord voicings.

Technical Analysis & Chord Possibilities:

• The open string notes are D1, A1, D2, A2, D3, E3, A3, C#5.
• Open D5 Power Chord: Strumming strings 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, and 2 (D1 A1 D2 A2 D3 A3) delivers a massive and resonant D5 power chord across six strings, providing exceptional depth and sonic weight.
• Open A Major Chord: By focusing on strings 7, 5, 3, 2, and 1 (A1 A2 E3 A3 C#5), a clear and ringing A Major chord (A, C#, E) is readily available, making it highly accessible for melodic phrases and harmonic support.
• Harmonic Richness: The composite of D (strings 8,6,4), A (strings 7,5,2), E (string 3), and C# (string 1) creates a sophisticated harmonic canvas. While not a pure D major (which requires an F#), the interplay of D, A, C#, and E notes frequently results in sounds akin to Dmaj7sus2 or Dmaj9, opening doors to advanced harmonic textures.
• The consistent perfect 4th and 5th intervals between the lower D and A notes (P4, P5, P4, P5, P4) offer a familiar and solid framework for crafting powerful riffs and intricate arpeggios.
• The extraordinary range from D1 to C#5 provides ample sonic real estate for both thunderous bass lines and piercing high melodic phrases, allowing the 8-string guitar to encompass an incredibly broad spectrum of musical expression.

How to Tune:

To accurately set your 8-string guitar to the "Open D + A Major, Dean Murphy 8 String" tuning, please follow these precise string adjustments. It is crucial to be aware of significant semitone changes, as these may necessitate a change in string gauge for optimal tension, intonation, and string longevity.

• String 8 (Lowest D1): Tune down 4 semitones. (This is a substantial drop. We strongly advise checking your string gauge to ensure proper tension and avoid string floppiness.)
• String 7 (A1): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 6 (D2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 5 (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (E3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 2 (A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (Highest C#5): Tune down 3 semitones.

General Caution: Adjusting a string by 4 or more semitones (either up or down) can significantly impact string tension. Tuning up considerably increases the risk of string breakage, while tuning down excessively can result in very loose, buzzing strings that are difficult to intonate. For changes of this magnitude, consulting a string gauge chart or a luthier for string recommendations is highly advisable.

The 8-string guitar is tuned to the following notes, from the lowest (String 8) to the highest (String 1):

• String 8: D1
• String 7: A1
• String 6: D2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: E3
• String 2: A3
• String 1: C5#