Tuning Overview: Dense Standard

The "Dense Standard" tuning, as its name suggests, offers a rich and harmonically packed sonic landscape, particularly suited for 8-string guitars. It deviates from typical linear ascending tunings by introducing notes that create closely voiced intervals and expand the harmonic possibilities. While described as "close to standard," it achieves its unique character by distributing standard and non-standard intervals across its eight strings, allowing for intricate chord voicings and melodic interplay.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning feels incredibly full, almost like having a piano at your fingertips across the fretboard. The presence of both low E and A (E1, A1) alongside higher E and A (E3, A2) provides a broad harmonic canvas. The close proximity of notes like G2, A2, and B2 on consecutive strings (4, 3, 2) creates a "dense" feel, enabling lush cluster chords and melodic runs that can easily slide between major and minor tonalities. The F#2 string adds a distinctive jazz or blues flavor, naturally extending open chords into richer voicings. It's a tuning that encourages experimentation with arpeggios and interwoven melodic lines, potentially leading to sounds reminiscent of orchestral string arrangements or modern jazz harmonies.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for the 8-string guitar are: E1 - F#2 - A1 - D2 - G2 - A2 - B2 - E3 (from lowest to highest string).

• String Intervals: The intervals between strings are notably varied:
• String 8 (E1) to String 7 (F#2): Major 9th (14 semitones up)
• String 7 (F#2) to String 6 (A1): Descending Major 7th (10 semitones down)
• String 6 (A1) to String 5 (D2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones up)
• String 5 (D2) to String 4 (G2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones up)
• String 4 (G2) to String 3 (A2): Major 2nd (2 semitones up)
• String 3 (A2) to String 2 (B2): Major 2nd (2 semitones up)
• String 2 (B2) to String 1 (E3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones up)
• Harmonic Content: All open strings, when strummed together, form an E minor 9th with an added 11th (A). Specifically, the notes present are E, F#, G, A, B, D. This creates a very rich and resonant E minor 11 chord voicing naturally, providing an immediate sophisticated sound.
• Chordal Opportunities:
  • Open Strum: A full strum across all open strings yields an intricate E minor 11 chord (E1, F#2, A1, D2, G2, A2, B2, E3).
  • Rootless Voicings: The cluster of D2, G2, A2, B2 (strings 5-2) allows for easy formation of G major (G-B-D), D major (D-F#-A), or A minor (A-C-E) shapes with minimal fretting.
  • Extended Harmony: The F#2 (string 7) naturally provides the 9th over an E root, or the major 7th over a G root, making dominant and extended chords readily accessible with simple two or three-finger shapes.
  • Octave Voicings: The presence of E1 and E3, and A1 and A2, allows for powerful octave reinforcement for E-based and A-based chords.
  • Melodic Exploration: The tightly packed G2-A2-B2 on strings 4-2 encourages modal playing and quick melodic phrases that utilize the diatonic and chromatic relationships presented by the open strings.
• This tuning is highly conducive to players seeking a broader harmonic palette and intricate voicings, moving beyond the standard guitar’s limitations, especially in genres like jazz, progressive metal, or ambient music.

How to Tune: Dense Standard

To achieve the "Dense Standard" tuning (E1 - F#2 - A1 - D2 - G2 - A2 - B2 - E3), you will need to perform significant down-tuning from a typical reference. Please proceed with caution and verify each note with a reliable tuner. Given the substantial changes, it is highly recommended to consider using a different string gauge set that is appropriate for these lower tensions to ensure optimal playability and and intonation.

• String 8 (Lowest E): Tune down 2 semitones to E1. (Movement: -2 semitones).
• String 7 (F#): Tune down 5 semitones to F#2. (Movement: -5 semitones. A different string gauge is advised).
• String 6 (A): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. (Movement: -7 semitones. A different string gauge is advised).
• String 5 (D): Tune down 7 semitones to D2. (Movement: -7 semitones. A different string gauge is advised).
• String 4 (G): Tune down 7 semitones to G2. (Movement: -7 semitones. A different string gauge is advised).
• String 3 (A): Tune down 10 semitones to A2. (Movement: -10 semitones. A different string gauge is advised).
• String 2 (B): Tune down 12 semitones to B2. (Movement: -12 semitones, an entire octave. A different string gauge is advised).
• String 1 (Highest E): Tune down 12 semitones to E3. (Movement: -12 semitones, an entire octave. A different string gauge is advised).

Important Note on String Gauges: For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, especially the significant -5, -7, -10, and -12 semitone adjustments in this tuning, using strings specifically designed for lower tunings (typically heavier gauges) is strongly recommended. This will help maintain proper string tension, intonation, and prevent buzzing or poor tone.