Description

This is an 8-string guitar tuning, initially described as a cool tuning for different sounds and styles. It's an expansive and somewhat unconventional variation of D tuning, featuring a vast intervallic spread and unique harmonic possibilities. The lowest three strings establish a very deep and resonant D power chord foundation (D1-A1-D2), providing a strong anchor for heavy riffs and open drone textures.

Technically, the open strings are tuned to D1 A1 D2 B2 E3 A3 C#5 D4. The arrangement of notes presents a fascinating harmonic landscape. While the low end firmly roots in D, the higher strings introduce a rich palette with B2, E3, A3, C#5, and D4. Notably, the tuning features a crossed string arrangement on the top two strings, with the 2nd string (C#5) tuned significantly higher than the 1st string (D4). This creates an immediate minor second interval (D to C#) but with the C# an octave higher, leading to a unique tension and bright, almost harp-like quality when strummed open, especially if the top two strings are played together. This dramatic leap in pitch followed by a descent offers distinct melodic and harmonic possibilities.

Harmonically, the open strings (D, A, D, B, E, A, C#, D) contain notes from a D Major scale (D E F# G A B C#). This suggests a strong D Major tonality, leaning towards a Dmaj9 or Dmaj13 sound when all open strings are considered, but dramatically spaced out across multiple octaves. The prominent C#5 provides a clear major third, enhancing the brightness. Due to the wide intervals and the crossed D4/C#5, standard open chords may not immediately present themselves in familiar shapes. However, the tuning lends itself well to:

• D5 Power Chords: The lowest three strings (D1-A1-D2) form a powerful D5 chord, making it easy to create deep, resonant power chord riffs across the lower register.
• Drone Textures: The multiple D and A notes across octaves facilitate rich, sustained drones, particularly effective for ambient or heavy music.
• Unique Arpeggios: The spread of D, A, B, E, C# across multiple octaves allows for very open, ethereal arpeggios that would be impossible in standard tunings. The high C#5 and D4 offer sparkling top-end chime.
• Melodic Exploration: The unusual intervals, especially the C#5 and D4, encourage new melodic phrasing and lead lines that exploit the distinct voicings and the tension between the highest strings.

This tuning demands a creative approach, offering a unique sonic landscape for players looking to explore beyond conventional boundaries.

How to Tune

Follow these instructions carefully to achieve the Alternate D Tuning (DADBEAC#D) for your 8-string guitar. Please note that significant tuning changes (more than 4 semitones up or down) may require a different string gauge to maintain proper tension and avoid string breakage or excessive floppiness. All string movements are described to reach the specified target note.

• String 8 (D1): Tune down 4 semitones. (This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.)
• String 7 (A1): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 6 (D2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 5 (B2): Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 4 (E3): Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 3 (A3): Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 2 (C#5): Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 1 (D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

Tuning Notes

Here are the target notes for each string, from the thickest (8) to the thinnest (1):

• String 8: D1
• String 7: A1
• String 6: D2
• String 5: B2
• String 4: E3
• String 3: A3
• String 2: C#5
• String 1: D4