Verbal Analysis

The "Open G 8 String" tuning for an 8-string guitar takes the familiar concept of DADGAD and extends it with two very low bass strings, creating a massive, resonant soundscape. The tuning description hints at a "Big ole G Major chord," which perfectly encapsulates the open, full-bodied sound when all strings are strummed without fretting. It evokes a feeling of grandeur and expansive harmony, making it ideal for drone-based music, heavy riffs, or rich fingerstyle compositions where a strong, consistent harmonic foundation is desired. The lower register provided by the G1 and B1 strings adds significant depth and power, transforming the traditional DADGAD into something far more colossal.

Technical Analysis

This is essentially an 8-string adaptation of DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D) layered over a low G and B. The open strings are tuned to:

• String 8: G1
• String 7: B1
• String 6: D2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: A3
• String 1: D4

Analyzing the notes, we find a G major triad (G-B-D) prominently featured across the lowest strings (G1-B1-D2) and the mid-range (G3), creating a strong sense of G major when played open. The remaining notes (A2, A3, D3, D4) beautifully complement this, forming an open Gsus2 or Gsus4 sound with the A and D notes, giving it a rich, modal flavor akin to DADGAD, but rooted firmly in G. The intervals from the lowest G1 are: a major third (B1), a perfect fifth (D2), a perfect fourth (A2), a perfect fourth (D3), a perfect fourth (G3), a major second (A3), and a perfect fourth (D4). This arrangement makes open G major and G sus chords readily available, and sliding shapes up and down the neck will easily produce various major and suspended harmonies. Chords like D major (using the D-A-D shapes on strings 6,5,4), A minor/major (using A-D-G on strings 5,4,3), and certainly various G forms will be immediately accessible due to the stacked intervals. The duplicate D and A notes across octaves also provide lush, full voicings for these chords.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Open G 8 String" tuning, follow these specific adjustments from your current setup. Pay careful attention to the number of semitones for each string, as significant changes may require different string gauges for optimal performance and to prevent string breakage.

• String 8 (G1): Tune up 1 semitones.
• String 7 (B1): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 6 (D2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 5 (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

Important Note on String Gauges: For movements exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), it is strongly advised to consider a different gauge string to ensure proper intonation, string tension, and to prevent potential damage to your instrument or string breakage. In this tuning, most movements are minor, but always exercise caution.

String 8: G1

String 7: B1

String 6: D2

String 5: A2

String 4: D3

String 3: G3

String 2: A3

String 1: D4