Tuning Analysis: Extended Baritone Standard 8 String

This is an 8-string guitar tuning, pushing the boundaries of conventional pitch arrangements. While named 'Extended Baritone Standard', its unique note distribution, particularly the pitch inversions, suggests a highly specialized application rather than a simple extension of a standard baritone setup. It offers an incredibly broad sonic palette, from sub-bass frequencies to bright, clear highs.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning is a true exploration into extended range and unusual string relationships. The most striking features are the extremely low B1 on the 7th string, which is actually lower in pitch than the 8th string's F#2, and the notably high F#4 on the 3rd string, which is higher than both the 2nd and 1st strings. This non-linear pitch arrangement creates a unique challenge and opportunity for players. It’s ideal for styles requiring immense depth and density, such as djent, progressive metal, doom, or experimental ambient music, where its unconventional intervals can be leveraged for unique textures and chord voicings. It demands a creative approach, as standard guitar knowledge of fretboard patterns will need significant re-learning to navigate these unexpected pitch relationships.

Technical Analysis

The open string pitches, from thickest (String 8) to thinnest (String 1), are: F#2, B1, E2, A2, D3, F#4, B3, E4. A key technical observation is the inverted pitch order between String 8 (F#2) and String 7 (B1), where the 7th string is tuned a perfect fourth lower than the 8th string. Similarly, String 3 (F#4) is an octave and a major third higher than String 4 (D3), and critically, a perfect fourth higher than String 2 (B3) and a whole step higher than String 1 (E4) in terms of its absolute pitch. This means standard interval relationships for scale shapes and chord voicings will be dramatically altered across these string sets, requiring players to develop new fingerings and mental maps of the fretboard.

The open strings, when sorted by ascending pitch, are: B1, E2, F#2, A2, D3, B3, E4, F#4. This rich collection of notes – B, E, F#, A, D – hints at a dark, resonant B minor or B Dorian tonality, providing a strong root and fifth (B, F#), a minor third (D), and extended harmonies (E, A). Strumming all open strings would yield a dense, complex chord, potentially perceived as a powerful Bm11 (B-D-F#-A-C#-E - where we have B, D, E, F#, A), or more simply, a highly resonant B minor pentatonic with added octaves and strong sus4/11 characteristics. Chords utilizing the lower strings will possess immense power and depth due, especially due to the B1 and F#2. The higher F#4 on the 3rd string uniquely allows for bright melodic accents or dissonant upper extensions in chord shapes, providing a distinct sonic character.

String Notes & How to Tune

• String 8 (Low F#): Tuned to F#2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 7 (Low B): Tuned to B1. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This is an exceptionally low tuning, often found on 5-string basses, providing extreme sub-bass depth for an 8-string guitar.
• String 6 (E): Tuned to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A): Tuned to A2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D): Tuned to D3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (High F#): Tuned to F#4. Tune down 1 semitone. This string is tuned quite high, reaching a pitch typically associated with the upper range of a standard guitar's G or B string, and is actually higher in pitch than the 1st and 2nd strings.
• String 2 (B): Tuned to B3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E): Tuned to E4. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Gauge Recommendation Note:

While most strings require no semitone adjustment from a theoretical default for this specific tuning, the extreme pitches of the 7th string (B1) and the 3rd string (F#4) are critical for string gauge selection. The 7th string at B1 will necessitate a very heavy gauge string to achieve adequate tension and intonation, significantly thicker than what might be included in a typical 8-string set. Conversely, the 3rd string's F#4 is quite high, and while the tuning movement is only -1 semitone, ensuring a string gauge appropriate for this higher pitch will be important for tone and feel. Always ensure your string gauges are well-matched to these unique pitches for optimal playability and sound.