Verbal Analysis

This unique 8-string guitar tuning, internally referred to as EBEBGDGD, creates an expansive and deeply resonant open E minor 7 chord. It draws inspiration from experimental tunings, specifically noting its similarity to Rob Scallon's FCFACGCE but with a lower register and distinct note changes, allowing for a fresh sonic palette.

When strummed open, all eight strings combine to form a full E minor 7 (Em7) chord, spread across multiple octaves. This provides an incredibly rich, melancholic, and powerful foundation, perfect for heavy riffs, progressive compositions, atmospheric soundscapes, or complex arpeggios that demand depth and clarity.

The repetitive intervallic structure, particularly the recurring E-B and G-D pairs, naturally facilitates easy power chords and minor 7th chord shapes by simply barring or using minimal finger movements. The wide string spacing and octave duplication make for easily accessible melodic patterns and bass lines, giving a sense of full, harmonically complete voicings with minimal effort.

Technical Analysis

This is an 8-string guitar tuning. The specific notes, from lowest to highest string, are: E1, B1, E2, B2, G2, D3, G3, D4.

Analyzing the intervals between adjacent strings reveals a unique spread:

• String 8 (E1) to String 7 (B1): Perfect Fifth (P5)
• String 7 (B1) to String 6 (E2): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 6 (E2) to String 5 (B2): Perfect Fifth (P5)
• String 5 (B2) to String 4 (G2): Minor Third (m3)
• String 4 (G2) to String 3 (D3): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 3 (D3) to String 2 (G3): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• String 2 (G3) to String 1 (D4): Perfect Fourth (P4)

This combination of fifths, fourths, and a minor third creates the open Em7 chord and allows for distinct voicings and chording opportunities.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the Octave Em7 Resonance tuning, please follow these instructions carefully. Always use a reliable tuner and exercise caution, especially when tuning strings up or making large adjustments. For string movements exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), consider using a different gauge string to maintain optimal tension and tone, and to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument.

• String 8 (Lowest E1): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 7 (B1): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 6 (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (B2): Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 4 (G2): Tune down 7 semitones. Caution: This is a significant drop. We strongly advise considering a heavier gauge string for this position to ensure proper tension, intonation, and durability.
• String 3 (D3): Tune down 5 semitones. Caution: This is a significant drop. We strongly advise considering a heavier gauge string for this position.
• String 2 (G3): Tune down 4 semitones. Caution: This is a significant drop. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.
• String 1 (Highest D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

String 8 (Lowest): E1

String 7: B1

String 6: E2

String 5: B2

String 4: G2

String 3: D3

String 2: G3

String 1 (Highest): D4