The Colossal C 8-String Open Tuning is a powerful and expansive take on the classic Open C tuning, specifically designed for an 8-string guitar. This tuning offers an immense sonic range, stretching from a thunderous G1 up to a shimmering G4, providing a rich, full-bodied sound perfect for genres requiring deep resonance, heavy riffs, or intricate soundscapes. It's particularly well-suited for progressive metal, ambient music, or any style demanding a wide harmonic canvas.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is essentially an Open C major chord (C-E-G) spread across eight strings and multiple octaves. The open strings resolve to a ringing C major chord, providing immediate harmonic richness. The intervals between the open strings are designed for both power and playability:

• 8th String (G1) to 7th String (C2): Perfect 4th
• 7th String (C2) to 6th String (G2): Perfect 5th
• 6th String (G2) to 5th String (C3): Perfect 4th
• 5th String (C3) to 4th String (G3): Perfect 5th
• 4th String (G3) to 3rd String (C4): Perfect 4th
• 3rd String (C4) to 2nd String (E4): Major 3rd
• 2nd String (E4) to 1st String (G4): Minor 3rd

The strategic arrangement of C and G notes across the lower strings creates a strong, resonant foundation, while the C4-E4-G4 on the higher strings forms a clear C major triad. This makes it incredibly easy to play major chords across the fretboard with a single finger barre. Minor chords can be achieved by simply fretting the E4 string down one semitone to E♭4 (or finding the m3 elsewhere). Power chords are effortless across the lower strings due to the P4/P5 structure.

The tuning, described in the source as "Standard Open C adding a lower G2 and a higher G5", provides a massive range, although our analysis of the specific notes indicates the lowest note is G1 (not G2) and the highest note is G4 (not G5). This broad range makes it an excellent choice for extended chord voicings, arpeggios, and heavy, drop-tuned-like riffing.

How to Tune

Carefully adjust each string from its standard 8-string tuning (typically F# B E A D G B E or similar, though exact standard tuning isn't specified, these movements are relative). Take caution when tuning up multiple semitones, as this increases string tension.

• Lowest 8th String (G1): Tune up 1 semitone.
• 7th String (C2): Tune up 1 semitone.
• 6th String (G2): Tune up 3 semitones.
• 5th String (C3): Tune up 3 semitones.
• 4th String (G3): Tune up 5 semitones. (Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant increase in tension. A heavier gauge string for this position is strongly advised to prevent breakage and ensure optimal playability.)
• 3rd String (C4): Tune up 5 semitones. (Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant increase in tension. A heavier gauge string for this position is strongly advised to prevent breakage and ensure optimal playability.)
• 2nd String (E4): Tune up 5 semitones. (Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant increase in tension. A heavier gauge string for this position is strongly advised to prevent breakage and ensure optimal playability.)
• Highest 1st String (G4): Tune up 3 semitones.

The open string notes for this tuning are as follows (from lowest to highest):

• Lowest 8th String: G1
• 7th String: C2
• 6th String: G2
• 5th String: C3
• 4th String: G3
• 3rd String: C4
• 2nd String: E4
• Highest 1st String: G4