The UvU 8-String "BEBE" Custom is an exceptionally unique and technically challenging tuning specifically crafted for the extended range of an 8-string guitar. As its original description hints, it's a creative transposition and expansion of the "Wiseguy" 6-string baritone tuning (AEAEF#C#) into an 8-string format. This approach results in a sonic landscape that is both powerfully resonant and harmonically intricate, deliberately moving away from conventional guitar voicings.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning establishes a heavy, droning foundation, particularly across its lower four strings (E1, B1, E2, B2), which create a repeating pattern of E and B notes. This deep, resonant base is ideal for genres like djent, progressive metal, or experimental music where a thick wall of sound is paramount. The "BEBE" in its name aptly reflects this foundational low-end motif. However, the tuning takes a dramatic turn on the higher strings. Instead of a linear scalar progression, there are striking octave jumps and non-standard intervals, most notably from B2 to C#4, and a subsequent descending interval from G#4 to B3. This creates a unique harmonic tension and suggests the tuning is optimized for specific riffing, arpeggiated melodic lines, or dissonant textures rather than traditional open chord shapes. Players will discover opportunities for immense, open power chords on the lower strings, while the upper strings invite adventurous explorations into unusual voicings that leverage these drastic pitch shifts.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for the UvU 8-String "BEBE" Custom, from the thickest (8th) to the thinnest (1st) string, are:

• 8th String (E1)
• 7th String (B1) - A Perfect 5th (P5) above E1
• 6th String (E2) - A Perfect 4th (P4) above B1
• 5th String (B2) - A Perfect 5th (P5) above E2
• 4th String (C#4) - A significant leap: an Octave + Major 2nd (14 semitones) above B2.
• 3rd String (G#4) - A Perfect 5th (P5) above C#4
• 2nd String (B3) - A Major 6th (m6) down (9 semitones) from G#4. This creates a highly non-linear, broken melodic progression.
• 1st String (E4) - A Perfect 4th (P4) above B3

The consistent pattern of Perfect 5ths and 4ths on the lower strings (E1-B1-E2-B2) provides a resonant, powerful foundation, reminiscent of extended-range drop tunings. The large interval jump from B2 to C#4, followed by the striking descending interval from G#4 to B3, defines a truly unique harmonic landscape. This makes it challenging for conventional chord shapes but highly rewarding for arpeggios, single-note lines, and textural playing that exploits the wide intervallic leaps. This tuning encourages players to explore beyond traditional fretboard patterns, fostering a modern and aggressive sonic identity.

Open Chords and Possibilities

• Lower Strings Drone: The open E1, B1, E2, B2 create a massive, droning E5 power chord, or an E minor 7 voicing if B is considered the 5th and E the root. This is excellent for heavy, rhythmic riffs and impactful low-end.
• C# Power: The 4th and 3rd strings (C#4, G#4) form an open C#5 power chord, ideal for sharp, percussive accents or higher-register riffing.
• E Major Harmony: While not a single conventional open chord, the notes E, G#, B are all present across different octaves within the tuning. This allows for unique arpeggiated E Major or E Major 7 voicings by selectively picking strings, creating extended and shimmering harmonies.
• Complex Textures: The significant octave jumps (e.g., B2 to C#4) and the unusual descending interval (G#4 to B3) are ripe for highly textural, non-diatonic voicings and dissonant clusters, characteristic of avant-garde and extreme metal genres.

How to Tune

Please note: Extreme string tension changes (tuning up or down more than 4 semitones) might require a different string gauge to prevent damage or ensure optimal playability. Proceed with caution when making significant adjustments.

• 8th String: Tune down 2 semitones.
• 7th String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 6th String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String: Tune up 2 semitones.
• 4th String: Tune down 1 semitones.
• 3rd String: Tune up 1 semitones.
• 2nd String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

The open notes for each string, from the thickest (8th) to the thinnest (1st), are as follows:

• 8th String: E1
• 7th String: B1
• 6th String: E2
• 5th String: B2
• 4th String: C#4
• 3rd String: G#4
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: E4