The "Resonance Dsus2" tuning for 8-string guitar, originally named "Double Kill" and described as "Overkill, plain and simple. This is mostly a joke but I sense potential," truly lives up to its new name. It's a colossal, multi-octave open Dsus2 chord, designed for an incredibly rich and resonant soundscape.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning offers an immediate, massive sound when strummed open, ringing out a full Dsus2 chord across four octaves. Imagine the lowest rumble of an earthquake meeting the chime of a cathedral bell. Its potential lies in creating vast, ambient soundscapes, heavy, droning riffs, or even experimental textures where the open strings can act as a constant harmonic anchor. The 'joke' aspect might refer to the extreme nature of the tuning, but the 'potential' is undeniable for anyone seeking a unique and powerful sonic foundation. The abundance of D, E, and A notes creates a modal landscape that is both familiar and alien, making it surprisingly versatile despite its specific open chord.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this 8-string tuning are: D1, E1, A1, D2, D3, E3, A3, D4.

• The core structure is a repeating D-E-A pattern (root, major 2nd, perfect 5th) across octaves.
• Specifically, the tuning forms a Dsus2 chord (D-E-A) stacked across an impressive four octaves (D1 to D4).
• Open Chord Potential: Strumming all strings open yields a colossal Dsus2. By simply fretting the 7th string (E1) up one semitone to F1 (minor 3rd) or two semitones to F#1 (major 3rd), you can instantly achieve a D minor or D major open chord, respectively. The same applies to the 3rd string (E3).
• Reach & Shapes: The repeating D-E-A intervals (Perfect Fourth, Whole Step, Perfect Fourth in reverse order D-A-E-D) provide familiar shapes for power chords and arpeggios around the D, A, and E roots. The significant octave jump between D2 (string 5) and D3 (string 4) means there's a large gap in the middle register, which can be used for interesting melodic counterpoints or simply ignored for thicker lower-end chords.
• This tuning allows for incredibly deep, resonant bass notes with the D1, E1, and A1.

How to Tune

To achieve "Resonance Dsus2" from a standard 8-string tuning (F#1-B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), follow these instructions carefully. Please note that significant tuning adjustments (more than 4 semitones up or down) may require a different string gauge to maintain proper tension and intonation, and to prevent string breakage.

• String 8 (F#1 to D1): Tune down 4 semitones. (This is a considerable drop; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal performance and tension.)
• String 7 (B1 to E1): Tune down 7 semitones. (This is a very significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for proper tension and to prevent string floppiness.)
• String 6 (E2 to A1): Tune down 7 semitones. (This is a very significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for proper tension and to prevent string floppiness.)
• String 5 (A2 to D2): Tune down 7 semitones. (This is a very significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for proper tension and to prevent string floppiness.)
• String 4 (D3 to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G3 to E3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 2 (B3 to A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (E4 to D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

String 8 (D1): The lowest D, forming the foundational root of the enormous Dsus2 chord, providing immense depth.

String 7 (E1): The major second (or suspended second) to D, adding a rich, open harmonic quality right at the bottom end.

String 6 (A1): The perfect fifth to D, providing harmonic stability and power in the low-mid register.

String 5 (D2): An octave of the root D, reinforcing the fundamental and creating a deep, resonant core.

String 4 (D3): Another octave of the root D, serving as the central anchor of the tuning, providing a strong tonal center.

String 3 (E3): The major second (or suspended second) to D, creating an upper harmonic layer that brightens the overall Dsus2.

String 2 (A3): The perfect fifth to D, contributing to the chord's stability and adding brightness in the higher register.

String 1 (D4): The highest D, completing the four-octave Dsus2 and providing clarity and resonance at the top of the range.