Deep Tap A6/F#m7 Tuning Analysis

This unique 8-string guitar tuning, originally named "8 String A6/F#m7 open" by its creator, is specifically engineered for tapping techniques, forming a functional Open A6 or F#m7 chord in its open state. It offers a rich, wide sonic palette from deep bass to articulate trebles, making it exceptionally versatile for intricate melodic and harmonic exploration.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this 8-string tuning are as follows, from the thickest (String 8) to the thinnest (String 1):

• String 8: F#2
• String 7: A1
• String 6: E2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: C#4
• String 3: F#4
• String 2: A3
• String 1: E4

When analyzed, the unique notes present in this tuning are A, C#, E, and F#. This configuration clearly spells out either an A6 chord (A - root, C# - major 3rd, E - perfect 5th, F# - major 6th) or an F#m7 chord (F# - root, A - minor 3rd, C# - perfect 5th, E - minor 7th). The tuning features prominent octaves of A (A1, A2, A3), F# (F#2, F#4), and E (E2, E4), creating a full, resonant sound even with minimal strumming. The wide range, spanning from a very low A1 to an articulate E4, provides immense harmonic depth and melodic reach.

Playability and Chordal Opportunities

As an open A6/F#m7 tuning, it immediately presents a rich, complex harmony without fretting any strings. This makes it a fantastic starting point for melodic exploration, especially for its intended use in tapping. The natural resonance of the open strings allows notes to ring out, enhancing sustained passages and arpeggios. For tapping, the open intervals across the fretboard are intuitive:

• Open Chords: Directly strumming the open strings yields either a powerful A6 or a moody F#m7, depending on the melodic context and emphasized notes.
• Movable Shapes: Given the open chord structure, simply barring across various frets will transpose the A6/F#m7 chord, allowing you to access other 6th and minor 7th chords with ease. For example, barring at the 1st fret creates A#6/Gm7, and at the 2nd fret, B6/G#m7.
• Tapping Advantage: The intentional design for tapping means that common chord shapes and arpeggios will lay out ergonomically. The presence of multiple octaves across different strings allows for wide, expressive melodic runs and harmonic clusters to be played with two hands, making complex music more accessible.
• Drone and Resonance: The open strings, particularly the low A1 and E2, can serve as excellent drones, providing a harmonic anchor for melodies played on higher strings.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Deep Tap A6/F#m7" tuning on your 8-string guitar, please follow these instructions carefully. The string numbering goes from the thickest (8) to the thinnest (1).

• String 8 (F#2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 7 (A1): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 6 (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (C#4): Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 3 (F#4): Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 2 (A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Important Note: The string movements for this tuning are relatively minor, all falling within 2 semitones of change. This means your current string gauge should be suitable. However, for any future tunings involving changes greater than 4 semitones up or down (either positive or negative), it is generally recommended to consider a different string gauge to ensure optimal playability and string longevity.

Here are the specific notes for each string in the "Deep Tap A6/F#m7" tuning:

String 8 (Lowest): F#2

String 7: A1

String 6: E2

String 5: A2

String 4: C#4

String 3: F#4

String 2: A3

String 1 (Highest): E4