Analysis of "downtuned swirlies" Tuning

The "downtuned swirlies" tuning, originally described as a "baritone sneaky flute tuning for electric guitar," presents a truly unique and deeply resonant sonic landscape. This tuning, intended for Electric Guitar, ventures into exceptionally low registers while incorporating surprisingly high notes, creating a rich, complex, and sometimes dissonant texture that can evoke feelings of mystery, power, or ethereal beauty.

Verbal Analysis

True to its name, this tuning offers a substantial 'baritone' feel with its lowest string reaching B1 – an entire perfect fifth below standard Low E. This immediately lends itself to heavy, brooding, and expansive sounds, perfect for genres like Doom Metal, Djent, Ambient, or Experimental music where deep, sustained tones are desired. The 'sneaky flute' aspect likely refers to the unexpected jump in pitch on the third string (C#4), which is significantly higher than the surrounding strings, creating a re-entrant effect. This high note can cut through the low-end drone, adding a shimmering, almost whistle-like quality or a surprising melodic voice amidst the deep foundation. It allows for interesting counter-melodies or unusual harmonic extensions to low power chords, giving the tuning a paradoxical blend of depth and soaring clarity.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are configured as follows:

• String 6: B1
• String 5: D2
• String 4: A2
• String 3: C#4
• String 2: E3
• String 1: B3

This tuning is fundamentally a downtuned B-based structure, with the lowest notes (B1, D2, A2) forming a B minor 7 chord (B-D-A, omitting the F#). Let's examine the intervals between open strings:

• B1 (6th string) to D2 (5th string): Minor Third (3 semitones)
• D2 (5th string) to A2 (4th string): Perfect Fifth (7 semitones)
• A2 (4th string) to C#4 (3rd string): Major Tenth (16 semitones). This is a dramatic, re-entrant jump, placing the 3rd string two octaves and a major third above the 4th string's A. This is the core of the 'sneaky flute' character.
• C#4 (3rd string) to E3 (2nd string): Minor Sixth (9 semitones down). Another significant re-entrant interval, placing the 2nd string a minor sixth *below* the 3rd string.
• E3 (2nd string) to B3 (1st string): Perfect Fifth (7 semitones)

The open strings B1-D2-A2-C#4-E3-B3 collectively spell out the notes B, D, A, C#, E. When stacked, these notes form a B minor 11 chord (B-D-F#-A-C#-E), with the F# omitted. This provides a rich, complex harmonic foundation. The re-entrant nature, especially the C#4 on the 3rd string being so high and then dipping back down to E3 on the 2nd string, opens up possibilities for striking arpeggios, unusual melodic phrases, and chords with wide, shimmering voicings. Simple barred chords will feel different, and fingerings for common shapes will need to be re-learned or adapted. Power chords on the lower strings (B-D or B-D-A) will deliver immense depth.

String Gauge Advisory

Given that all strings are tuned down significantly – ranging from 5 to 7 semitones – standard gauge guitar strings will likely feel very loose and may not intonate correctly. To achieve optimal playability, tone, and sustain, it is strongly advised to use a heavier gauge string set designed for baritone or extended range guitars. For the 3rd string (G string), tuning down 6 semitones to C#4 is an unusual and potentially high-tension combination if starting from a standard G3, or it may require a very specific string gauge to achieve the target pitch C#4 at appropriate tension.

How to Tune "Low Swirl Re-entrant"

To achieve the "Low Swirl Re-entrant" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps for each string. Due to the significant changes, heavier gauge strings are highly recommended.

• String 6 (Low E string): Tune down 5 semitones to B1.
• String 5 (A string): Tune down 7 semitones to D2.
• String 4 (D string): Tune down 5 semitones to A2.
• String 3 (G string): Tune down 6 semitones to C#4.
• String 2 (B string): Tune down 7 semitones to E3.
• String 1 (High e string): Tune down 5 semitones to B3.

Please take extra care with String 3 (G string). Tuning it down 6 semitones to C#4 implies a highly specific tension requirement for that pitch, especially given the overall downtuned nature of the other strings. Using an appropriate string gauge for all strings is crucial for stability and playability, particularly for the dramatically shifted pitches.