Verbal Analysis: Hardcore 5ths Tuning

The "Hardcore 5ths" tuning is a highly specialized and aggressive setup for the guitar, originally conceived for instruments like Alex Gregory's "Celloblaster" (CB-2000). As described, it's designed to deliver a "rhythm from hell" sound, leveraging a foundation of perfect fifths for immense power and resonance. The tuning reflects a journey from its original five-string perfect fifth configuration (A-E-B-F#-C#) to a six-string adaptation that incorporates a high D string, drawing inspiration from other "hardcore" tunings for its distinctive minor second interval. This isn't a tuning for traditional chord-melody playing; rather, it's geared towards heavy, impactful riffs, experimental textures, and specific melodic ideas that exploit its unique interval structure. The creator's personal experience with a baritone guitar to achieve this sound further underscores its deep, resonant character, making it ideal for genres demanding a forceful and unconventional sonic palette.

Technical Analysis: Open String Structure and Harmonic Potential

This six-string guitar tuning presents a fascinating and irregular intervallic structure from low to high:

• String 6 (A1) to String 5 (E2): A perfect fifth (P5).
• String 5 (E2) to String 4 (B2): A perfect fifth (P5).
• String 4 (B2) to String 3 (F4#): This is a very significant jump of one octave plus a perfect fifth (B2 to F#3 is P5, B2 to F#4 is P5 + Octave). This creates a wide, dramatic leap in pitch, bridging different registers.
• String 3 (F4#) to String 2 (C5#): A perfect fifth (P5).
• String 2 (C5#) to String 1 (D4): This final interval is a major seventh downwards (C#5 to D4). As described in the original context, it's intended to create a "minor 2nd" like effect, by placing D4 a minor second above an octave below C5#. This creates a highly dissonant and tension-filled interval when these two highest strings are played together or in close proximity.

The tuning, therefore, is largely built on perfect fifths (A-E-B and F#-C#) which provide a massive, open sound, punctuated by a large intervallic jump and then a very tight, dissonant cluster at the top.

Chords and Voicings:

• Power Chords & Drones: The low A-E-B configuration is ideal for massive, open power chords (A5, E5, B5) or drones, providing a thick and resonant foundation for heavy riffs. The wide spacing lends itself to complex, sustained textures.
• Harmonic Extensions: The lower five strings (A-E-B-F#-C#) effectively outline an open, extended chord structure. For instance, playing all five could form elements of a B minor 7(add11) or an A Major 9th (without the 3rd) over a low A, offering a very rich and slightly ambiguous harmonic palette suitable for atmospheric or complex arpeggios.
• Dissonant Clusters & Melodic Tension: The most distinctive feature is the C5#-D4 pairing on the highest strings. Playing these together or in rapid succession will produce a strong minor second dissonance. This is perfect for creating unsettling, "hardcore" tension, sharp melodic accents, or for specific riffs that lean into this abrasive intervallic relationship. It excels at creating clashing, industrial, or experimental sounds, rather than traditional harmonies.
• Unconventional Shapes: Standard open chords are generally not practical across all strings due to the irregular intervals and wide jumps. This tuning encourages exploration of unique, often sparse, voicings and single-note lines that utilize the inherent strengths of its wide fifths and sharp dissonances.

"Hardcore 5ths" is a demanding but highly rewarding tuning for players seeking to push the boundaries of guitar tonality, especially in heavy, progressive, or experimental music.

Open String Notes:

From thickest to thinnest string:

• String 6: A1
• String 5: E2
• String 4: B2
• String 3: F4#
• String 2: C5#
• String 1: D4

How to Tune Your Guitar for Hardcore 5ths:

To achieve the "Hardcore 5ths" tuning, you will need to adjust your guitar strings significantly from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). Please use a reliable tuner and proceed with caution, especially with large pitch changes.

• String 6 (Low E to A1): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. (Caution: This is a significant drop. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone, as a standard string may become very slack.)
• String 5 (A to E2): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. (Caution: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is recommended to maintain proper tension and intonation.)
• String 4 (D to B2): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3 (G to F4#): Tune down 1 semitone to F4#.
• String 2 (B to C5#): Tune up 2 semitones to C5#.
• String 1 (High E to D4): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

General Gauge Recommendation: For any string movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is generally advised to use a different gauge string to prevent potential damage, ensure proper intonation, and achieve optimal playability and tone. The extreme drops on the lower strings (especially String 6 and 5) and the large pitch difference between String 4 and 3 in the resulting tuning (B2 to F4#) might necessitate a specific string set designed for baritone or extended range instruments to handle the tension variations effectively.