Tuning Overview: Multivoice D-G Resonance

This is an ambitious 8-string guitar tuning, meticulously designed to create a rich, layered soundscape. As described by its creator, the primary goal is to facilitate "dynamic independent bass lines along with guitar backing and a melody line that didn't move away from the lower bass strings." This results in a tuning that offers an exceptionally wide range and the capability for truly orchestral arrangements, allowing a single player to emulate the depth of a bass, the harmony of a rhythm guitar, and the clarity of a lead instrument simultaneously.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: 8-String Guitar
• Tuning Notes (Low to High): D1 G1 D2 G2 D3 A3 E4 A4
• Intervals Between Strings (Low to High): The tuning features a compelling pattern of Perfect 4ths and Perfect 5ths. Specifically: D1-G1 (Perfect 4th), G1-D2 (Perfect 5th), D2-G2 (Perfect 4th), G2-D3 (Perfect 5th), D3-A3 (Perfect 5th), A3-E4 (Perfect 5th), E4-A4 (Perfect 4th).
• Range: Spanning a remarkable four octaves from D1 to A4, this tuning provides an expansive sonic canvas, offering both deep bass textures and bright melodic possibilities.
• Harmonic Foundation: The repeated D and G notes in the lower five strings (D1, G1, D2, G2, D3) create a powerful and resonant drone-like foundation, establishing a strong tonal center around D and G. The upper A3, E4, A4 strings then extend this with clear, open intervals for melodic and harmonic embellishment.

Harmonic Potential & Chords

The unique intervallic structure of the Multivoice D-G Resonance tuning opens up a wealth of harmonic possibilities:

• Open Power Chords: Deep and resonant open D5 (D-G-D-G-D or subsets) and G5 (G-D-G-D or subsets) power chords are immediately available across the lower strings. The upper A-E-A sequence similarly provides bright open A5 voicings.
• Drone & Modal Playing: The pervasive D and G notes make this an excellent tuning for drone-based music, modal improvisation (especially D or G modes), and compositions that benefit from sustained, rich harmonies.
• Wide Voicings: The broad range allows for chords with extremely wide voicings, enabling complex harmonies and counterpoint that would typically require multiple instruments.
• Independent Voices: True to its design, the tuning facilitates independent bass lines using the lowest strings, while simultaneously allowing for rhythmic accompaniment and soaring melodies on the higher strings.

How to Tune (from Standard 8-String F#1 B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4)

Please note that significant string tension changes are involved. For optimal performance and to prevent string breakage or intonation issues, consider using different string gauges for strings tuned significantly up or down (exceeding 4 semitones in either direction).

• String 8 (Lowest String - F#1 to D1): Tune down 4 semitones to D1. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change and may require a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.
• String 7 (B1 to G1): Tune down 4 semitones to G1. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change and may require a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.
• String 6 (E2 to D2): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A2 to G2): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D3 to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G3 to A3): Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• String 2 (B3 to E4): Tune up 5 semitones to E4. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a very significant increase in tension. A lighter gauge string is highly advised to prevent breakage and ensure proper intonation. Proceed with extreme care.
• String 1 (Highest String - E4 to A4): Tune up 5 semitones to A4. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a very significant increase in tension. A lighter gauge string is highly advised to prevent breakage and ensure proper intonation. Proceed with extreme care.

String 8: D1 (The lowest string, providing a fundamental, deep D note, essential for the independent bass lines.)

String 7: G1 (A rich, low G, a perfect fourth above the 8th string, creating a powerful Dsus4 or G base.)

String 6: D2 (An octave above the 8th string, reinforcing the D resonance and adding to the mid-bass harmony.)

String 5: G2 (An octave above the 7th string, strengthening the G presence and completing the lower D-G textural layering.)

String 4: D3 (An octave above the 6th string, serving as a central D reference point within the guitar's traditional range.)

String 3: A3 (A perfect fifth above the 4th string, introducing a prominent A voice and expanding harmonic possibilities.)

String 2: E4 (A perfect fifth above the 3rd string, offering a higher melodic range with bright, clear tones.)

String 1: A4 (The highest string, a perfect fourth above the 2nd string, completing the upper melodic range with an A octave, ideal for lead lines and higher chord voicings.)