GBDADGBE Guitar Tuner
GBDADGBE 8 String G Major - Guitar tuning, chords & scales
This formidable 8-string tuning, aptly named "8 String G Major," provides a powerful sonic foundation, extending the familiar Drop D tuning with two exceptionally low strings. As the original description playfully suggests, it's a tuning that doesn't hold back!
Verbal Analysis:
"8 String G Major" is a beast of a tuning, perfect for genres that demand a deep, resonant growl and expansive chord voicings. It truly shines in heavy rock, metal, progressive music, and even experimental soundscapes where a wide dynamic range is key. The addition of the super low G and B strings provides an incredible sub-harmonic depth that standard tunings can only dream of. The "Drop D" foundation on the higher strings makes it instantly familiar for many players, allowing for powerful open power chords and riffing in D, while the lowest strings open up a rich G major tonality.
Technical Analysis:
This tuning transforms the standard 8-string setup into G1-B1-D2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4 (from lowest to highest string). The upper six strings (6th through 1st: D2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4) precisely mirror the popular Drop D tuning. This means all the familiar shapes and voicings for Drop D are immediately accessible on these strings. The innovation lies in the two lowest strings:
- String 8 (G1): This provides an incredibly deep root, anchoring the tuning in G.
- String 7 (B1): This adds the major third to the G, creating a full G major sound right at the bottom.
This combination is exceptionally powerful. The lowest three strings (G1-B1-D2) form a perfect open G Major triad, allowing for massive, resonant open G chords. This structure also puts a D power chord (D2-A2-D3) within easy reach on strings 6, 5, and 4. The overall tuning allows for seamless transitions between D-based riffs and G-based chordal work, offering a rich harmonic palette for composition and improvisation. The prevalence of fourths and fifths (A2-D3, D3-G3) on the mid-range strings keeps the tuning ergonomic for power chords and scale runs.
Open Chords within Reach:
- G Major Triad: Playing strings 8, 7, and 6 (G1, B1, D2) yields a powerful open G major chord.
- G Major Chord (Extended): Combine strings 8, 7, 6, 3, 2 (G1, B1, D2, G3, B3) for a massive, full G major chord voicing.
- D Power Chord: Strings 6, 5, 4 (D2, A2, D3) can be strummed for an immediate, heavy D power chord.
- Open Dsus2/4: Strumming strings 6 through 1 (D2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4) gives a Dsus2/4 quality.
- B minor (Rootless): Strings 7, 6, 5 (B1, D2, A2) hint at a B minor 7th without the root, or Bsus2.
The overall harmonic landscape strongly favors G major and D major/minor tonalities, with the potential for dark, brooding passages or soaring, anthemic sections. It's an inspiring tuning for any guitarist looking to push the boundaries of an 8-string instrument.
Tuning Notes:
String 8: G1
String 7: B1
String 6: D2
String 5: A2
String 4: D3
String 3: G3
String 2: B3
String 1: E4
How to Tune:
To achieve the "8 String G Major" tuning from standard 8-string (F#1-B1-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), follow these steps carefully:
- String 8 (Lowest String): Tune up 1 semitones to G1. (Careful when tuning up, though 1 semitone is generally safe.)
- String 7: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B1.
- String 6: Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
- String 5: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
- String 4: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
- String 3: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
- String 2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
- String 1 (Highest String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.
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Capos for GBDADGBE
| Capo | Tuning | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | GBDADGBE | 8 String G Major |
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Tuning Map
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