Tuning Analysis: 8-String Standard D

This tuning for an 8-string guitar takes the concept of standard guitar intervals and extends them significantly downwards, then drops the entire tuning by a full step (two semitones). It's essentially a 'Standard D' for an 8-string instrument, optimized for an incredibly deep and resonant sound profile.

Verbal Analysis

The '8-String Standard D' tuning is a powerhouse for modern heavy music. With all strings dropped a full step from a hypothetical 8-string standard E (F# B E A D G B E), the resulting E1 A1 D2 G2 C3 F3 A3 D4 delivers an immediate sense of immense depth and weight. This tuning is tailor-made for genres like Djent, progressive metal, death metal, and any style where a dark, guttural, and percussive low-end is paramount. The lower register allows for earth-shattering riffs and intricate bass lines, while the higher strings retain enough clarity for lead work and atmospheric chords. The even drop across all strings means that familiar chord shapes and scale patterns remain consistent, simply transposed down, making it intuitive for players accustomed to lower tunings on fewer strings. The very low E1 string provides an extended range that can blur the line between bass and guitar, offering unique textural possibilities.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this 8-string tuning are: E1, A1, D2, G2, C3, F3, A3, D4. Analysing the intervals:

• String 8 (E1) to String 7 (A1): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 7 (A1) to String 6 (D2): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (G2): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 5 (G2) to String 4 (C3): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 4 (C3) to String 3 (F3): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 3 (F3) to String 2 (A3): Major Third (M3)
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (D4): Perfect Fourth (P4)

This interval structure (P4, P4, P4, P4, P4, M3, P4) is a direct transposition of the standard 6-string guitar tuning (E A D G B E) with two additional Perfect Fourths added below the low E, and then the entire system lowered by two semitones. This consistency makes it highly adaptable for existing chord voicings and scale patterns, simply played lower on the fretboard or on thicker strings.

While open string chords across all eight strings might be complex and unconventional, this tuning excels at:

• Power Chords: The preponderance of perfect fourths makes two- and three-string power chords extremely easy to form. For example, open E1-A1, A1-D2, D2-G2, G2-C3, C3-F3 all offer instant 5th intervals, perfect for heavy, driving riffs. Fretting just one finger across the lowest strings will yield a powerful chord.
• Extended Range Riffing: The low E1 provides an exceptional foundation for extremely low, chugging riffs and bass-like patterns that are characteristic of Djent and modern metal.
• Droning and Ambient Textures: The deep resonant notes are ideal for creating sustained drones and atmospheric soundscapes.
• Movable Chord Shapes: Due to the consistent P4 intervals on the lower strings, many chord shapes are easily movable up and down the neck, maintaining their relative voicings. The F3-A3 (M3) interval on the higher strings provides the familiar 'standard guitar' feel for lead lines and higher chord voicings.

The notes D2, G2, C3, F3, A3, D4 contain elements that could form interesting voicings. For instance, D2, G2, C3, F3 could form a Gsus4(add11) or a Csus4(addb7). The A3 and D4 notes further enhance this. The overall tonal palette is dark, powerful, and incredibly versatile for contemporary heavy music.

How to Tune

To achieve the '8-String Standard D' tuning, all strings must be tuned down by two semitones from their respective Standard E (F# B E A D G B E) positions. Please note that for tuning changes exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), a different string gauge may be advised to maintain optimal tension and tone.

• String 8 (E1): Tune down 2 semitones to E1.
• String 7 (A1): Tune down 2 semitones to A1.
• String 6 (D2): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (G2): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (C3): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (F3): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (A3): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (D4): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.