Tuning Analysis: Where's the BEEF?

As its intriguing name suggests, "Where's the BEEF?" is a truly substantial 8-string guitar tuning, delivering a sonic palette that is both deep and uniquely textured. This tuning is far from conventional, designed to provide a rich, complex sound that can range from incredibly heavy and drone-like to sharply dissonant and avant-garde. It's particularly well-suited for genres demanding massive low-end presence, intricate harmonic textures, and an aggressive edge, living up to its original description as a "meaty tuning."

Verbal Observations

The most striking feature of this tuning is its extreme low end, anchored by an unbelievably deep B0 on the 8th string. This note is at the very bottom of the guitar's sonic range, laying a foundation of immense power. The repeated E notes (E1, E2, E3, E4) across several octaves create a resonant, almost droning quality for E-based harmonies, which can be particularly effective for atmospheric or heavy riffing. However, this resonance is immediately contrasted by the inclusion of F notes (F2, F4) right next to E notes (E2, E4). These minor second intervals (E2-F2 and E4-F4) create a sharp, almost clashing friction when played open, offering a powerful tool for dissonance and tension. The overall impression is one of immense girth and a sound that can be both expansive and unsettling, hinting at experimental, metal, or industrial music applications.

Technical Analysis

This is an 8-string guitar tuning with the following open notes from lowest to highest: B0 E1 E2 F2 B2 E3 E4 F4. The tuning's interval structure is highly irregular, contributing to its unique character:

• String 8 (B0) to String 7 (E1): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 7 (E1) to String 6 (E2): Octave (12 semitones) - A massive jump that dramatically changes the string spacing in the lower register.
• String 6 (E2) to String 5 (F2): Minor 2nd (1 semitone) - A very tight, dissonant interval.
• String 5 (F2) to String 4 (B2): Augmented 4th / Tritone (6 semitones) - Another tense, often dramatic interval.
• String 4 (B2) to String 3 (E3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 3 (E3) to String 2 (E4): Octave (12 semitones) - Another significant octave jump, mirroring the lower register.
• String 2 (E4) to String 1 (F4): Minor 2nd (1 semitone) - Replicating the dissonant minor 2nd from the middle strings.

When all strings are played open, the resulting chord (B0 E1 E2 F2 B2 E3 E4 F4) is complex and highly dissonant, containing elements of B, E, and F. This creates a thick, almost cluster-like sound that could be interpreted as an Em(maj7) with additional low B's and a high F, or a Bsus4(b13) with an E pedal, depending on the harmonic context. The repeated E's offer a strong tonal center for E-minor or E-major based ideas, while the F's provide inherent tension. Simple barre chords might be challenging due to the non-standard intervals, but the open strings themselves offer a vast array of unique voicings and power chords, especially with the B and E notes aligning across octaves. This tuning encourages exploration of open string harmonies and unconventional fingerings, providing a unique canvas for creative expression.

How to Tune 'Where's the BEEF?'

Achieving this tuning requires careful adjustment, with several strings undergoing significant changes. Pay close attention to the specified semitone movements for each string to reach its target note. For movements exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), it is generally advised to consider a different string gauge to ensure optimal tension and prevent string breakage or excessive floppiness.

• String 8: Tune down 2 semitones to B0.
• String 7: Tune down 2 semitones to E1.
• String 6: Tune up 5 semitones to E2. (Caution: Significant upward tension. Consider a heavier string gauge.)
• String 5: Tune up 1 semitone to F2.
• String 4: Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
• String 3: Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• String 2: Tune up 5 semitones to E4. (Caution: Significant upward tension. Consider a heavier string gauge.)
• String 1: Tune up 1 semitone to F4.

String 8: B0

String 7: E1

String 6: E2

String 5: F2

String 4: B2

String 3: E3

String 2: E4

String 1: F4