The 8-string guitar represents an exciting expansion of the traditional 6-string guitar, offering guitarists a broader sonic palette and new creative possibilities. While the 6-string guitar has long been a staple in music across various genres, the 8-string variant has gained popularity, especially in progressive rock, metal, and certain styles of jazz. Tuning an 8-string guitar is a crucial aspect of harnessing its full potential.
The additional two strings on an 8-string guitar, compared to its 6-string counterpart, open up a world of extended bass and higher register notes. This allows for more complex chord voicings, richer harmonies, and the ability to play melodies that span a wider range. However, with these added strings comes the need for a clear understanding of tuning methods and the implications of different tunings. Tuning an 8-string guitar correctly is not only about getting the right pitches but also about ensuring that the instrument sounds harmonious and is playable across its entire fretboard.
The Anatomy of an 8-String Guitar
String Configuration
An 8-string guitar typically has two additional strings, one lower in pitch than the lowest string of a 6-string guitar and one higher than the highest string. The most common string configuration starts from the lowest string and goes as follows: Low F#, B, E, A, D, G, B, High E. This configuration extends the range of the instrument both downward and upward. The low F# string provides a deep, rumbling bass tone that can add a new dimension to the sound, especially in genres like metal where a heavy low end is desired. The high E string, in addition to the standard high E of a 6-string guitar, allows for even more intricate and high-pitched melodies.
Fretboard and Nut Considerations
The fretboard of an 8-string guitar is wider than that of a 6-string guitar to accommodate the extra strings. This wider fretboard can take some getting used to for guitarists transitioning from a 6-string instrument. The nut, which holds the strings in place at the headstock end of the fretboard, is also designed to be wider. Each string has its own slot in the nut, and these slots are precisely cut to ensure that the strings are properly spaced and that the tuning remains stable. The bridge of an 8-string guitar is also modified to support the additional strings and distribute the tension evenly across the instrument.
Common Tunings for 8-String Guitars
Standard 8-String Tuning (F# B E A D G B E)
As mentioned earlier, the standard tuning for an 8-string guitar is F# B E A D G B E. This tuning has become widely adopted in the music community, especially in progressive and modern metal genres. In this tuning, the intervals between the strings follow a familiar pattern. The interval between the low F# and the B string is a perfect fourth, just like the intervals between most of the other adjacent strings in this tuning (e.g., B to E, E to A, A to D, D to G, G to B). The exception is the interval between the G and B strings, which is a major third, similar to the 3rd and 2nd strings on a 6-string guitar in standard tuning. This standard tuning allows for easy adaptation of chord shapes and scale patterns that guitarists are familiar with from 6-string playing, while also providing the added range of the extra strings.
Alternative Tunings
There are also various alternative tunings for 8-string guitars. One such tuning is Drop F# Tuning (F# F# B E A D G B). In this tuning, the second lowest string is tuned down to match the pitch of the lowest string. Drop tunings are popular in metal music as they allow for powerful, heavy-sounding power chords. Another alternative is Open D Tuning for 8-String (D A D F# A D F# A). Open tunings are named so because strumming all the open strings produces a particular chord, in this case, a D chord. Open tunings are often used in blues, folk, and slide guitar playing, and the 8-string version offers a richer, more complex sound due to the additional strings.
Tuning Methods for 8-String Guitars
Using an Electronic Tuner
An electronic tuner is one of the most accurate and convenient ways to tune an 8-string guitar. There are different types of electronic tuners available. Clip-on tuners are a popular choice. These tuners are attached to the headstock of the guitar. When a string is plucked, the tuner detects the vibration of the string and analyzes its pitch. The tuner then displays whether the pitch is higher or lower than the desired pitch for that particular string. For example, if tuning the low F# string, the guitarist plucks the string, and if the tuner shows that the pitch is lower than F#, the guitarist tightens the tuning peg until the correct pitch is achieved. Conversely, if the pitch is too high, the peg is loosened.
Tuning by Ear
Tuning by ear is a more traditional method that requires a good sense of pitch. To tune an 8-string guitar by ear, the guitarist can start with a reference note, such as a pitch pipe or a note played on a piano. First, the guitarist tunes one string to match the reference note. For example, if using a pitch pipe that produces an A note, the guitarist can tune the A string on the 8-string guitar to match this A. Then, using intervals, the guitarist tunes the remaining strings relative to the already tuned string. Since most of the intervals between adjacent strings in standard 8-string tuning are perfect fourths, the guitarist can use the knowledge of the sound of a perfect fourth to tune the other strings. For instance, to tune the D string relative to the A string, the guitarist knows that a perfect fourth above A is D and adjusts the pitch of the D string accordingly.
Implications of Tuning on Sound and Playability
Sound Quality
The tuning of an 8-string guitar has a significant impact on its sound quality. In standard tuning, the combination of strings creates a balanced sound that can be used in a variety of musical contexts. The low F# string adds a deep, full-bodied bass sound, while the additional high E string brightens the overall tone. When the guitar is tuned accurately, the strings resonate together harmoniously, producing a rich, full sound. However, if the tuning is off, the sound can be dissonant and unpleasant. For example, if one string is slightly out of tune, it can create a beating effect when played in combination with other strings, which can be distracting in a musical performance.
Playability
Tuning also affects the playability of the 8-string guitar. A properly tuned guitar has consistent intonation across the fretboard. Intonation refers to the accuracy of the pitch of each note played at different frets. If the guitar is tuned correctly, when a guitarist presses down on a fret, the note produced will be in tune with the other strings. This makes it easier to play chords, scales, and melodies. On the other hand, if the tuning is incorrect, the intonation can be off, and notes played at certain frets may sound sharp or flat. This can make it difficult for the guitarist to play in tune, especially when playing complex passages or when playing with other musicians.
Adapting Chords and Scales to 8-String Tunings
Chord Voicings
With the additional strings in an 8-string guitar, there are countless new chord voicings available. In standard tuning, guitarists can take traditional 6-string chord shapes and expand them to include the extra strings. For example, a basic open C chord on a 6-string guitar can be transformed into a more complex and full-sounding chord on an 8-string guitar. By including notes from the additional strings, the chord can have a richer harmonic structure. There are also chords that are unique to 8-string guitars. For instance, chords that incorporate the low F# string can create a very deep and powerful sound, which is often used in heavy music genres.
Scale Patterns
Scales on an 8-string guitar also need to be adapted to take advantage of the extra strings. While the basic scale patterns from 6-string playing can be applied, the additional strings allow for more extended scale runs. For example, a major scale played on a 6-string guitar can be extended to cover a wider range on an 8-string guitar by including notes from the extra strings. The wider fretboard of the 8-string guitar also means that guitarists may need to adjust their hand positioning when playing scales. They may need to stretch their fingers more to reach certain notes, especially when using the additional strings at the edges of the fretboard.
Conclusion
Tuning an 8-string guitar is a multi-faceted process that involves understanding the instrument’s anatomy, choosing the right tuning for the musical style, and using accurate tuning methods. Whether using the standard F# B E A D G B E tuning or exploring alternative tunings, the way an 8-string guitar is tuned has a profound impact on its sound quality and playability. Guitarists who master the art of tuning an 8-string guitar can unlock its full potential, creating unique and complex musical compositions. By adapting chords and scales to the 8-string format, they can explore new sonic territories and push the boundaries of what is possible on the guitar. As the popularity of 8-string guitars continues to grow in various musical genres, the importance of proper tuning cannot be overstated.
