This is a specialized tuning for an 8-string baritone ukulele, known as "8-string baritone ukulele (correct octaves)".

Verbal Analysis

This tuning is meticulously designed to provide a rich, full sound, characteristic of an 8-string instrument. It fundamentally takes the standard baritone ukulele tuning (D-G-B-E) and enhances it with carefully chosen octave and unison string pairings, creating a shimmering, layered tone. The strategic combination of different octave pitches on the lower courses (D and G) with unison pairings on the higher courses (B and E) results in a vibrant, resonant sound that adds significant depth and sustain to both strumming and fingerstyle playing. This tuning elevates the baritone ukulele's voice, making it sound larger and more intricate.

Technical Analysis

• The open strings, when considering the fundamental pitches for each course, are D2, G2, B2, E3.
• The full set of unique pitches described across the 6 specified strings in this tuning is D2, G2, D3, G3, B2, E3.
• This configuration strongly implies that the D-course (corresponding to strings 6 and 4) is an octave pair (D2/D3), and the G-course (corresponding to strings 5 and 3) is also an octave pair (G2/G3). The B-course (String 2) and E-course (String 1) are likely unison pairs (e.g., B2/B2 and E3/E3 for an 8-string setup, though only one pitch is listed per course in the provided data).
• When strummed open, these fundamental pitches (D-G-B-E) beautifully form a G Major 6th chord (G-B-D-E). This provides a wonderfully resonant and harmonically rich foundation, making it particularly suitable for playing in the keys of G Major or E minor.

Chords & Playability

Because the fundamental pitches align precisely with standard baritone ukulele tuning (DGBE, mirroring the top four strings of a guitar), all standard baritone ukulele chord shapes, scales, and arpeggios are directly applicable without needing to learn new fingerings. The added octave and unison doublings will significantly enhance depth, prolong sustain, and impart a beautiful mandolin-like shimmer to any chord or melody played. This makes the tuning exceptionally effective for robust strumming, intricate fingerstyle arrangements, and any context where a fuller, more harmonically rich sound is desired.

Beyond the open G6 chord, players will discover that common chords such as G Major, C Major, D Major, and E minor will sound exceptionally vibrant and resonant due to the natural harmonic qualities of this tuning. The re-entrant nature of the D and G courses (D2-D3, G2-G3) further contributes a unique harmonic complexity, making strummed chords sound richer, more articulate, and bell-like.

How to Tune

Please note that the implied starting notes for these tuning adjustments are based on common ukulele stringing conventions. Always use a reliable electronic tuner for accuracy.

• String 6 (lowest pitch): Tune up 3 semitones to D2 (e.g., from C2 to D2).
• String 5: Tune up 3 semitones to G2 (e.g., from E2 to G2).
• String 4: Tune up 5 semitones to D3 (e.g., from G#2 to D3).
  Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change in string tension. Please exercise care when adjusting, and consider using a different string gauge if tuning from a much lower standard pitch to avoid excessive tension on the instrument or string breakage.
• String 3: Tune up 5 semitones to G3 (e.g., from D#3 to G3).
  Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change in string tension. Please exercise care when adjusting, and consider using a different string gauge if tuning from a much lower standard pitch to prevent undue tension on the instrument or string breakage.
• String 2: Tune down 12 semitones (one full octave) to B2 (e.g., from B3 to B2).
  Warning: Tuning down an entire octave is a very substantial change in tension. It is highly recommended to use a specific string gauge designed for this lower octave to achieve proper tone and playability, and to prevent the string from being overly slack.
• String 1 (highest pitch): Tune down 12 semitones (one full octave) to E3 (e.g., from E4 to E3).
  Warning: Tuning down an entire octave is a very substantial change in tension. It is highly recommended to use a specific string gauge designed for this lower octave to achieve proper tone and playability, and to prevent the string from being overly slack.