As described by its creator, the Dmaj9 8 string tuning embodies the essence of "midwest emo, but you don't have a bassist." This description perfectly encapsulates its character: a tuning that provides a deep, resonant foundation with rich harmonic possibilities, allowing an 8-string guitarist to fill a wide sonic spectrum. It's designed for intricate arpeggios, shimmering open chords, and melodic lines that can carry both bass and lead duties, creating a full and expansive soundscape typically requiring multiple instruments.

Technical Analysis

This 8-string tuning lays out the notes F#2 A1 D2 A2 E3 A3 C#5 E4 from the lowest (8th) to the highest (1st) string. The immediate observation is that the tuning explicitly spells out a D major 9th chord (D, F#, A, C#, E) across its open strings, complete with multiple octaves of D, A, and E. The lowest note, F#2, acts as a strong major third bass for a D chord, while the A1 on the 7th string provides a deep perfect fifth. This arrangement creates an incredibly lush and resonant open voicing, making it ideal for fingerstyle, atmospheric textures, and complex harmonic interplay. The intervals between strings are quite varied, ranging from a large minor ninth (F#2 to A1) in the bass to perfect fourths (A1-D2, E3-A3), a perfect fifth (D2-A2, A2-E3), and even a significant jump from A3 to C#5 (an octave and a major third), creating a striking top end. The presence of A at three different octaves (A1, A2, A3) and E at two octaves (E3, E4) allows for natural drones and resonant voicings that can underpin intricate melodic work.

Open Chords & Playability

The most prominent feature is the open Dmaj9 chord formed by strumming all open strings, which sounds incredibly full and sophisticated. Beyond this, partial chords such as D major (D2 A2 E3 A3) or A major (A1 D2 A2 E3) are readily available. The repetitive A and E notes across different octaves create natural drone possibilities, enriching any melodic lines played over them. The tuning facilitates easy access to power chords and melodic fragments that resonate against the open Dmaj9 structure. The open string configuration lends itself beautifully to arpeggiated patterns, letting the notes ring out and blend into a rich harmonic tapestry. Shapes based around D, A, and E are particularly intuitive, and the low F# and A provide a powerful, bassist-like foundation for a variety of musical ideas.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Dmaj9 8 string" tuning, adjust your strings as follows from a standard 8-string tuning (typically F#2 B1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B4 E4):

• String 8 (lowest): From F#2, Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to reach F#2.
• String 7: From B1, Tune down 2 semitones to reach A1.
• String 6: From E2, Tune down 2 semitones to reach D2.
• String 5: From A2, Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to reach A2.
• String 4: From D3, Tune up 2 semitones to reach E3.
• String 3: From G3, Tune up 2 semitones to reach A3.
• String 2: From B4, Tune up 2 semitones to reach C#5.
• String 1 (highest): From E4, Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to reach E4.

Important Note on String Gauge: When tuning strings more than 4 semitones up or down (exceeding +4 or -4 semitones), it is generally advised to consider using a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension and prevent string breakage or intonation issues. For this specific tuning, none of the individual string movements exceed this recommendation, making it relatively safe for standard string gauges on an 8-string guitar.