Verbal Analysis

The "Vs Self" tuning is a distinctive and atmospheric setup, famously featured in the song "Homesick" from their debut album. This tuning is characterized by a rich, resonant sound, primarily centered around a B minor tonality. With multiple strings tuned to B and D across different octaves, it naturally creates a full, almost droning quality that would lend itself well to melancholic, introspective, or powerful soundscapes. The significant upward tuning on the lower strings suggests a desire for increased tension and clarity in the bass, allowing for robust low-end presence.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this Guitar tuning are B2-D3-B2-F4#-A3-D4 (from low E to high E string). Immediately striking is the repetition of B and D notes, creating a strong harmonic foundation. When strummed open, this tuning forms a clear and resonant B minor 7 (Bm7) chord, with B (root) on the 6th and 4th strings, D (minor third) on the 5th and 1st strings, F# (perfect fifth) on the 3rd string, and A (minor seventh) on the 2nd string. This makes it exceptionally easy to create rich B minor 7 voicings without extensive fretting.

The intervals between the open strings are as follows (from low to high):

• String 6 (B2) to String 5 (D3): Minor 3rd
• String 5 (D3) to String 4 (B2): Descending Major 3rd (Minor 6th up)
• String 4 (B2) to String 3 (F4#): Perfect 5th
• String 3 (F4#) to String 2 (A3): Minor 3rd
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (D4): Perfect 4th

The presence of a perfect fifth (B-F#) and minor third (F#-A, B-D) within the open tuning structure facilitates easy access to various minor chord shapes and arpeggios, particularly within the B minor key. The overall voicing allows for powerful open string drones and rich harmonic textures, perfect for rhythmic parts or atmospheric lead lines.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Vs Self" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps. Please note the significant string tension changes on the lower strings; heavier gauge strings are recommended for strings 6 and 5 to prevent breakage and ensure optimal tone.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 7 semitones to B2. Caution: This is a significant tension increase (>4 semitones). Consider a heavier gauge string.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 5 semitones to D3. Caution: This is a significant tension increase (>4 semitones). Consider a heavier gauge string.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F4#.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Always tune carefully and check your guitar's intonation after making significant tuning changes.