This is a unique and deeply resonant 8-string guitar tuning, thoughtfully named "8 String DropD/G w/ead: c6/9" by its creator. It’s designed to provide a rich, extended low-end sound, combining elements of popular drop tunings like Drop D and Drop G, while also hinting at a C6add9 chord tonality. The tuning emphasizes a powerful low register with a wide harmonic palette.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this 8-string tuning are D1 G1 D2 G2 C3 E3 A3 D4, from the lowest (8th) to the highest (1st) string. This is a significantly lowered tuning across the board, with all strings tuned down from a standard 8-string F# B E A D G B E setup.

• The two lowest strings (8th and 7th) are tuned to D1 and G1, creating a formidable low-end foundation. The interval between them is a perfect fourth.
• The 6th and 5th strings continue this pattern with D2 and G2, forming octaves with the lowest strings and maintaining a strong D-G drone.
• The upper register shifts to C3 E3 A3 D4. These notes introduce a C major tonality, as C, E, A, and D are present (corresponding to the root, major third, major sixth, and major ninth of C major).
• Overall, the open tuning (D-G-D-G-C-E-A-D) doesn't perfectly spell out a C6add9 chord (C E G A D), but it strongly hints at it, especially in the upper strings. It presents a Dsus4add9 quality if D is considered the root, or a Cmaj6/9 sound if you consider C as the root and omit the G, using C3, E3, A3, D4. The varied intervals between strings (P4, P8, P4, P4, P4, M3, P4, P4) offer unique voicings and playing approaches.

Harmonic and Playability Observations

• The repeated D-G pattern on the lowest four strings (D1 G1 D2 G2) makes it incredibly easy to achieve massive, resonant power chords or drones with simple barres, ideal for heavy riffs and atmospheric soundscapes.
• The open C3-E3-A3-D4 (strings 4-1) can be strummed together to create a rich, open Cmaj6add9-like voicing (lacking the root G, but with C as a strong presence). This offers interesting melodic and harmonic possibilities above the deep bass.
• The wide range of the tuning (D1 to D4) provides immense versatility for both low-end rhythmic work and higher-register lead lines.
• Chords like open Dsus4, Gsus2, or partial Cmaj6/9 will be readily available across different string groups. Barring across specific frets on the lower D-G-D-G strings will allow for movable "drop" chord shapes.
• The creator's note of "im having fun with this thing but need to see the scales to really get it where i want" highlights the experimental nature. Understanding the underlying D-G-C-E-A note set will be key to unlocking scales and arpeggios that fit this unique sonic landscape.

How to Tune

This tuning assumes a common 8-string guitar tuning of F# B E A D G B E (from lowest to highest string) as its starting point. Use a reliable tuner to achieve the precise notes.

• String 8 (Lowest String): Tune down 4 semitones from F#1 to D1. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones can significantly reduce string tension. A heavier gauge string for the 8th string is recommended for optimal performance and tone.
• String 7: Tune down 4 semitones from B1 to G1. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones can significantly reduce string tension. A heavier gauge string for the 7th string is recommended for optimal performance and tone.
• String 6: Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• String 5: Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• String 4: Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• String 3: Tune down 3 semitones from G3 to E3.
• String 2: Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

String 8 (Lowest): D1
String 7: G1
String 6: D2
String 5: G2
String 4: C3
String 3: E3
String 2: A3
String 1 (Highest): D4