Three Studies for Decaoctochordon

Three Studies for Decaoctochordon
18-String Double Neck Electric Guitar
The term decaoctochordon (Greek for 18-stringed instrument) is a variation on the title of the book Dodecachordon (12-stringed instrument) by Renaissance music theorist Glareanus. These three studies explore the different sonorities of an alternatively tuned double neck electric guitar.
The tuning of the twelve-string, upper neck is as follows:

E-e = F-e; A-a = A-g#; D-d = D#-d; G-g = G-f#; B-B = A#-B; e-e = db-c

Mostly, the strings of the 12-string neck, are played in pairs. However, the opening statement of the first study slowly arpeggiates the strings, allowing for strings to be played individually. The six-string, lower neck is tuned to the usual EADGBe but a quarter tone sharp compared to the 12-string tuning.

The first study is an expressive exploration of timbres. The discrepancy between the two necks, with one tuned a quarter tone up, provides an ambiguous tuning effect, especially through the use of harmonics. I am using a Boss ME50 multi effects pedal, which can be set to some reverb and chorus.
The second study consists of repeated iterations of the dissonant string-pairs with a regularly metred delay effect (quarter=120). Other effects used are distortion, chorus, and a little reverb.
The third study uses a ring modulator. The amplitude of the ring modulation can be manipulated by a foot pedal. I am using a Boss ME50 multi effects pedal, which incorporates this feature. Some delay, a little overdrive and a large amount of reverb is added.

The sounding pitch is an octave below all notation (including 8va).

Edward Top, Vancouver 2018