Tuning Analysis: Gracias

Verbal & Technical Observations

The 'Gracias' tuning for an 8-string guitar presents a fascinating blend of extended bass range with the familiarity of standard tuning. Technically, the open notes are G1-C2-E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4 (from lowest to highest string). What makes this tuning particularly versatile is that the upper six strings (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4) remain in standard EADGBe tuning. This means all your familiar chord shapes, scales, and licks are immediately transferable to the majority of the fretboard, making it incredibly accessible for players accustomed to a standard 6-string guitar.

The innovation lies in the two lowest strings, which are tuned to G1 and C2. These strings significantly extend the instrument's range downwards, opening up possibilities for deeper bass lines, richer harmonic textures, and heavier sonic landscapes. The G1 and C2 provide a strong harmonic foundation. In the open position, you can easily access an open G major chord (G1, D3, G3, B3) by using the lowest G string, the D string, and the higher G and B strings. Similarly, an open C major chord (C2, E2, G3) is readily available by utilizing the low C string, the E string, and the higher G string. The overall collection of open strings (G, C, E, A, D, G, B, E) encompasses many notes of the C major scale, allowing for lush open string drones and arpeggios that resonate with both G and C major sonorities.

This tuning is ideal for genres that benefit from an extended low-end, such as progressive metal, djent, or jazz fusion, while still maintaining the playability and familiarity of a standard 6-string instrument for lead and rhythm guitar work.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Gracias

To achieve the 'Gracias' tuning, you will adjust your 8-string guitar from a common standard 8-string tuning of F# B E A D G B E (lowest to highest). Please take care when tuning, especially when increasing string tension.

• String 8 (Lowest F#): Tune up 1 semitone to G1. (Care should be taken when tuning up more than 4 semitones; this is a minor adjustment).
• String 7 (Low B): Tune up 1 semitone to C2. (Care should be taken when tuning up more than 4 semitones; this is a minor adjustment).
• String 6 (E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• String 1 (Highest E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Note: If you are making significant changes (more than 4 semitones up or down), it is often advisable to consider a different gauge of string to ensure optimal tension and playability.

String 8: G1 (Lowest string)

String 7: C2

String 6: E2

String 5: A2

String 4: D3

String 3: G3

String 2: B3

String 1: E4 (Highest string)