Tuning Analysis: Standard 8 String

The provided tuning is for an 8-string guitar, labelled as "Standard 8 String". While it features an extended range typical of an 8-string instrument, a technical analysis of the open string pitches reveals a highly unconventional arrangement in the lower register that significantly deviates from widely accepted "standard" 8-string tunings (e.g., F# B E A D G B E, from lowest physical string to highest).

Verbal Observations:

This tuning presents a unique and exceptionally deep sonic landscape. The most striking feature is the inclusion of B0 on String 7, which is tuned to a lower pitch than the F#1 on String 8. This creates a distinctive, almost disjointed low-end foundation before settling into a more conventional EADGBE pattern for strings 1-6 (albeit at a lower octave than a standard 6-string guitar). The resulting sound would be ideal for experimental metal, ambient drone, or sound design where extreme low frequencies and unconventional intervals are desired. It pushes the boundaries of typical guitar voicing, demanding a creative approach to composition and playing to fully utilize its unique characteristics.

Technical Observations:

The open strings, listed from the lowest physical string (String 8) to the highest (String 1), are tuned as follows:

• String 8: F#1 (approx. 46.25 Hz)
• String 7: B0 (approx. 30.87 Hz) - Notably, this string is tuned lower in pitch than String 8, creating an inverted pitch relationship between these two lowest strings.
• String 6: E1 (approx. 41.20 Hz)
• String 5: A1 (approx. 55.00 Hz)
• String 4: D2 (approx. 73.42 Hz)
• String 3: G2 (approx. 97.99 Hz)
• String 2: B2 (approx. 123.47 Hz)
• String 1: E3 (approx. 164.81 Hz)

The most striking technical feature is the pitch relationship between String 8 (F#1) and String 7 (B0). String 7 is a Perfect Fifth (7 semitones) *below* String 8, which is highly unusual for adjacent guitar strings and creates a non-linear arrangement in the lowest register. From String 6 to String 1, the intervals are: Perfect Fourth (E1-A1), Perfect Fourth (A1-D2), Perfect Fourth (D2-G2), Major Third (G2-B2), and Perfect Fourth (B2-E3). This sequence (EADGBE) mirrors standard 6-string guitar tuning, albeit approximately two octaves lower for the EADG and one octave lower for the BE relative to standard EADGBe.

Chordal and Melodic Possibilities:

Due to the unique low-end configuration, conventional open chords spanning all eight strings in a traditional manner are not immediately obvious. However, the EADGBE segment (Strings 6-1) provides a familiar framework, allowing for standard chord shapes and voicings to be played, offering a rich, deep voice. The B0 and F#1 strings open up possibilities for massive power chords, dissonant clusters, or ambient drones that utilize the extreme low range. For instance, playing String 7 (B0) and String 6 (E1) together forms a perfect fourth, which can be extended to power chords or deep intervals. Combining String 7 (B0) with String 5 (A1, fretted at the 2nd fret to get B1) or String 4 (D2, fretted at 5th fret for G2) can create expansive, resonant sounds. The open notes B0, E1, A1, D2, G2, B2, E3, when played together, imply parts of an E minor chord, with the F#1 on String 8 then acting as either a highly dissonant element or an extended tone requiring specific melodic or harmonic treatment.

How to Tune:

To achieve this tuning, all strings require a significant adjustment, tuning down an entire octave:

• String 8: Tune down 12 semitones to F#1.
• String 7: Tune down 12 semitones to B0.
• String 6: Tune down 12 semitones to E1.
• String 5: Tune down 12 semitones to A1.
• String 4: Tune down 12 semitones to D2.
• String 3: Tune down 12 semitones to G2.
• String 2: Tune down 12 semitones to B2.
• String 1: Tune down 12 semitones to E3.

Important Note: Tuning all strings down by an entire octave (12 semitones) is a drastic change from a hypothetical standard tuning. For such extreme downward tuning, it is strongly advised to use a different, much heavier gauge string set specifically designed for these very low frequencies. This will ensure proper string tension, intonation, and playability, and help prevent potential damage to the instrument. Attempting this with standard gauge strings may result in extremely loose, floppy strings, poor tone, and intonation issues.

String 8: F#1

String 7: B0

String 6: E1

String 5: A1

String 4: D2

String 3: G2

String 2: B2

String 1: E3