This intriguing 8 String Violin Tuning, aptly described as "Like a double job," presents an extraordinarily extended range compared to a standard 4-string violin. It essentially doubles the string courses, providing a vast sonic palette that plunges into deep bass registers while still offering the familiar upper violin range.

Verbal Analysis

Imagine the deep resonance of a cello combined with the soaring melodies of a violin – this tuning aims to bridge that gap. With eight strings, players gain access to notes far below the traditional violin's G3, opening up new harmonic possibilities and the ability to play bass lines, rich chord voicings, or even entire cello parts on a violin-like instrument. The "double job" aspect refers to the dual nature of its G-D-A-E sequences, providing a consistent intervallic structure across its impressive range, making it intuitive for players familiar with standard violin tuning to adapt to the additional strings. This tuning fosters a rich, resonant soundscape, perfect for creating drones, complex textures, and expansive arpeggios that would be impossible on a standard violin.

Technical Analysis

The tuning for this 8-string violin is set as G1 D2 A2 E3 G2 D3 A3 E4, from the lowest (String 8) to the highest (String 1).

• String 8: G1
• String 7: D2
• String 6: A2
• String 5: E3
• String 4: G2
• String 3: D3
• String 2: A3
• String 1: E4

This arrangement creates two distinct, yet parallel, G-D-A-E series:

• The lower four strings (8, 7, 6, 5) are tuned G1-D2-A2-E3. This sequence is significantly lower than a standard violin's G3-D4-A4-E5, providing an extended bass range.
• The upper four strings (4, 3, 2, 1) are tuned G2-D3-A3-E4. This sequence is exactly one octave higher than the lower set and still lower than a standard violin, but extends the overall range upwards from the first set.

The open string notes are G, D, A, E across two octaves. This structure makes open fifths highly resonant and readily available. When all open strings are played together, the resulting collection of notes (G, D, A, E) forms a rich, ambiguous sonority. While not a conventional major or minor chord, it strongly implies a Dsus2add4 (D-E-G-A), an Am7sus4 (A-D-E-G), or could be perceived as an Em7 (no 3rd) over an A bass. This tuning is particularly effective for open fifth drone chords, sustained ambient textures, and rapid arpeggios that span multiple octaves. The symmetrical nature of the GDAE tuning in both sets of strings provides a familiar fingering logic, making it easier to navigate complex musical passages despite the extended range.

Open String Notes

• String 8 (Lowest): G1
• String 7: D2
• String 6: A2
• String 5: E3
• String 4: G2
• String 3: D3
• String 2: A3
• String 1 (Highest): E4

How to Tune

Please follow these instructions carefully to achieve the 8 String Violin Tuning. Pay close attention to the semitone adjustments, and consider a different string gauge if tuning adjustments exceed -4 or +4 semitones to avoid potential string breakage or instability.

• String 8 (Lowest) to G1: Tune up 1 semitones.
• String 7 to D2: Tune up 3 semitones.
• String 6 to A2: Tune up 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant adjustment; a different string gauge may be advised.
• String 5 to E3: Tune up 7 semitones. Caution: Tuning up 7 semitones is a very significant adjustment; a different string gauge is strongly advised.
• String 4 to G2: Tune down 7 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a very significant adjustment; a different string gauge is strongly advised.
• String 3 to D3: Tune down 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant adjustment; a different string gauge may be advised.
• String 2 to A3: Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (Highest) to E4: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).