Verbal Analysis

The "8 string standard" tuning for guitar, as defined by these notes, takes the expansive range of an eight-string instrument and molds it into a unique, deep sonic landscape. While named "standard," the specific arrangement of the lowest two strings provides a distinctive character, allowing for an incredibly heavy and resonant foundation. This tuning is perfectly suited for genres demanding extended low-end aggression, such as progressive metal, djent, or doom, where its vast range facilitates complex, multi-layered riffs and guttural rhythmic textures. Beyond heavy genres, it offers creative avenues for jazz and classical guitarists seeking to explore broader harmonic possibilities and contrapuntal voicings, blurring the lines between bass and guitar.

Technical Analysis

This 8-string guitar tuning features the following open notes from the thickest (8th) to the thinnest (1st) string: F#2, B1, E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4. The overall open string range spans an impressive three octaves and a perfect fifth, from B1 on the 7th string to E4 on the 1st string.

A critical observation is the non-linear pitch arrangement of the lowest two strings: the 8th string is tuned to F#2, while the 7th string is tuned to B1. This means the 7th string is actually an augmented 4th (or diminished 5th) *lower* in pitch than the 8th string, creating a distinct and unusual interval. This inversion in pitch on adjacent strings opens up unique voicing possibilities for drone notes and unconventional power chords.

The remaining strings maintain familiar intervals:

• 7th (B1) to 6th (E2): Perfect 4th
• 6th (E2) to 5th (A2): Perfect 4th
• 5th (A2) to 4th (D3): Perfect 4th
• 4th (D3) to 3rd (G3): Perfect 4th
• 3rd (G3) to 2nd (B3): Major 3rd
• 2nd (B3) to 1st (E4): Perfect 4th

Notably, the top six strings (E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4, from string 6 to string 1) perfectly align with the standard E Standard tuning of a 6-string guitar. This means all existing chord shapes, scales, and arpeggios familiar to E Standard players are immediately transferable to these strings.

The addition of the B1 and F#2 provides immense depth. While the full open string strum (F#2, B1, E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, E4) does not form a conventional consonant chord due to the B1/F#2 juxtaposition, these lower strings greatly expand harmonic possibilities, allowing for:

• Deep Power Chords: Using the 7th (B1) and 8th (F#2) strings, along with the 6th (E2) string, offers extremely low voicings for power chords. For instance, a B5 power chord can be formed using the open 7th string (B1) and the 2nd fret of the 6th string (F#2).
• Expanded Chord Voicings: Standard open chords can be augmented with lower root notes or extensions from the 7th and 8th strings.
• Riffing and Bass Lines: The extended low range is ideal for heavy, percussive riffs and for laying down thick, independent bass lines within a guitar part.
• Droning: The B1 and F#2 can serve as powerful drone notes, creating intense sonic backdrops.

Here are the notes for each string of your 8-string guitar, from the thickest (8th string) to the thinnest (1st string):

• 8th String: F#2
• 7th String: B1
• 6th String: E2
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: E4

How to Tune

This tuning is presented as the target 'standard' for an 8-string guitar, meaning no specific adjustments are required from a previous state. You should tune each string directly to its specified note:

• 8th String (F#2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 7th String (B1): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 6th String (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 4th String (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Since all strings remain at their target pitch with no semitone movements, there's no need to consider string gauge changes for this particular tuning process. Simply ensure each string is accurately tuned to its respective note.