Tuning Analysis: Octave E Bass-Melody

This unique 8-string guitar tuning, internally named "Bass plus melody E tuning," is designed for an expansive sonic palette, particularly suited for tapping techniques where you can simultaneously lay down bass lines and intricate melodies, akin to a Chapman Stick. It provides a foundation of traditional bass guitar tuning on the lower strings, complemented by higher strings arranged for melodic expression and powerful chord voicings. The overall feel is one of deep resonance combined with bright, articulate lead possibilities.

Technical Observations

The tuning's structure is highly distinctive for an 8-string instrument:

• The four lowest strings (8th to 5th) are tuned to E1-A1-D2-G2. This is the standard tuning of a 4-string bass guitar, providing a familiar and robust foundation for deep grooves and low-end support.
• The upper four strings (4th to 1st) are tuned to D3-G3-A3-E4. These strings provide a significant jump in register from the lower set.
• The transition from the 5th string (G2) to the 4th string (D3) is a perfect fifth (P5), which is a common interval jump but notable here as it bridges the "bass" and "melody" sections.
• Within the upper set, the interval from D3 to G3 is a perfect fourth (P4). However, the interval from G3 to A3 is an unconventional major second (M2), which creates a unique voicing opportunity and a slightly tighter spacing than traditional guitar intervals. The highest two strings, A3 and E4, form a perfect fifth (P5), which is ideal for easily barring power chords.
• The overall range of this tuning spans three octaves and a fifth, from the extremely low E1 to the standard high E4, offering immense versatility for extended compositions.

Chordal and Melodic Opportunities

This tuning opens up several interesting harmonic possibilities:

• Open String Chords: While not forming a single common triad, the open strings provide a resonant cluster of E, A, D, G notes across various octaves. The notes G2, D3, and G3 offer a strong, open G octave voicing. The highest two strings, A3 and E4, naturally form an A5 power chord, making barre chords in this position very accessible and powerful.
• Bass & Melody Separation: The clear division between the low E-A-D-G and the higher D-G-A-E allows for distinct bass lines to be played simultaneously with melodic phrases or chord fragments on the upper strings, truly embodying the "Chapman Stick" approach mentioned in the original description.
• Unique Voicings: The G3-A3 interval on strings 3 and 2 allows for interesting sus2 or sus4 voicings when combined with other notes. For example, playing D3-G3-A3 creates a Gsus2 chord with a D bass, offering a rich, open sound.
• Tapping Excellence: The spread and arrangement of notes are exceptionally well-suited for two-hand tapping, allowing for complex counterpoint and arpeggiation across the entire fretboard.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Octave E Bass-Melody" tuning, adjust each string as follows:

• String 8 (Lowest): Tune up 3 semitones to E1.
• String 7: Tune up 3 semitones to A1.
• String 6: Tune up 3 semitones to D2.
• String 5: Tune up 3 semitones to G2.
• String 4: Tune up 5 semitones to D3. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a lighter gauge string for this and subsequent strings if your current strings are not designed for such tension.
• String 3: Tune up 5 semitones to G3. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a lighter gauge string for this string.
• String 2: Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune up 5 semitones to E4. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a lighter gauge string for this string.

Always tune carefully and gradually to avoid string breakage.

The "Octave E Bass-Melody" tuning for an 8-string guitar is as follows, from the thickest (8th) to the thinnest (1st) string:

• String 8: E1
• String 7: A1
• String 6: D2
• String 5: G2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: A3
• String 1: E4