This tuning, named "FAFACGCE" and specifically designed for an 8-string guitar, is a profound and intricate open tuning. It's described as a "Classic open midwest-style tuning with added Octaves in the Bass for 8 String as used by Rob Scallon," suggesting a sophisticated, full-spectrum sound often found in progressive, math-rock, or ambient genres.

Verbal Analysis:

The FAFACGCE tuning offers an incredibly rich and expansive sonic palette. The strategic doubling of the low F and A across the first four bass strings (F1-A1-F2-A2) provides a massive, resonant low-end drone, truly leveraging the extended range of an 8-string instrument. This creates a deep, fundamental rumble that supports lush harmonic textures. The overall character is often perceived as contemplative, grand, and at times melancholic, with a complexity that invites exploration of intricate chord voicings and melodic lines. It’s a tuning designed to make the guitar sing with a powerful, almost orchestral presence, especially when strummed open.

Technical Analysis:

• Instrument Type: 8-string Guitar
• Open Chord: The open strings (F1-A1-F2-A2-C3-G3-C4-E4) collectively form an opulent F Major 9th (Fmaj9) chord. This means that a single strum of all open strings produces the root (F), major third (A), perfect fifth (C), major seventh (E), and major ninth (G), all beautifully voiced across multiple octaves.
• Intervalic Structure: The intervals between adjacent strings are carefully constructed to facilitate both chordal and melodic playing:
  • String 8 (F1) to String 7 (A1): Major 3rd
  • String 7 (A1) to String 6 (F2): Minor 6th (Compound Major 3rd)
  • String 6 (F2) to String 5 (A2): Major 3rd
  • String 5 (A2) to String 4 (C3): Minor 3rd
  • String 4 (C3) to String 3 (G3): Perfect 4th
  • String 3 (G3) to String 2 (C4): Perfect 4th
  • String 2 (C4) to String 1 (E4): Major 3rd
• Chordal and Melodic Opportunities:

  The inherent Fmaj9 harmony means that many complex F-based chords, including extensions and inversions, become very accessible with minimal fretting. The consistent Major 3rd intervals between Strings 8-7 and 6-5, combined with the Minor 3rd from String 5-4, create a harmonically rich lower register. The two consecutive Perfect 4ths between Strings 4-3 and 3-2 (C3-G3-C4) are particularly useful for easily forming power chords, scalar runs, and modern, open voicings in the middle range. The highest Major 3rd (C4-E4) adds a bright, resonant top end, perfect for arpeggiated figures or shimmering lead lines that emphasize the major 7th quality of the Fmaj9 chord.

• Tuning Practicality: All string adjustments required for this tuning are minor, ranging from keeping a string as is to tuning up or down by a maximum of 2 semitones. This means that an 8-string guitar with standard gauge strings should comfortably accommodate the FAFACGCE tuning without requiring specialized heavier or lighter gauges, ensuring consistent string tension and playability across the fretboard.

How to Tune Your 8-String Guitar:

• String 8 (F1 - Lowest): Tune down 1 semitones to F1.
• String 7 (A1): Tune down 2 semitones to A1.
• String 6 (F2): Tune up 1 semitones to F2.
• String 5 (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (C3): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (C4): Tune up 1 semitones to C4.
• String 1 (E4 - Highest): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.