This unique tuning, aptly named Tom Sykes, plunges your guitar into the deep, resonant territory often favored in heavy genres. As described by the creator, it's a "Drop B yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" tuning, indicating a desire for extreme low-end power and intensity.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to: B1, F#3, B2, E3, A#4, D#5 (from low to high).

This tuning is built around a powerful low B. The 6th string (B1) and 4th string (B2) provide a foundational octave, while the 5th string is tuned to F#3. This configuration creates a strong B5 power chord (B-F#-B) across the lowest three strings. This makes playing heavy riffs and power chords incredibly easy – simply barre a single fret across the low three strings to shift your power chord along the fretboard.

The higher strings offer a more complex and dissonant palette, moving beyond simple open chords:

• String 3 (E3) forms a perfect fourth above the 4th string B2.
• String 2 (A#4) creates an augmented fourth (tritone) with the 3rd string E3.
• String 1 (D#5) continues this tritone interval with the 2nd string A#4.

When strummed open, the full tuning B-F#-B-E-A#-D# creates an intriguing Bmaj7sus4-like voicing (B-D#-F#-A# with an added E). This gives it a dark, expansive, and somewhat tense character, making it excellent for creating rich, unconventional textures. It's particularly well-suited for metal, progressive rock, or experimental music where a broad and powerful sonic canvas is desired.

How to Tune

To achieve the Tom Sykes tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise adjustments. It's crucial to use a chromatic tuner to ensure accuracy, especially with the significant drops in pitch.

• String 6 (Low E): From standard E2, tune down 5 semitones to B1. (This is a very substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is highly recommended to maintain proper tension and intonation, as well as to avoid string floppiness.)
• String 5 (A): From standard A2, tune down 3 semitones to F#3. (Note: Tuning A2 down 3 semitones would typically result in F#2. Reaching F#3 implies an octave jump. Pay close attention to the octave on your tuner.)
• String 4 (D): From standard D3, tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3 (G): From standard G3, tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): From standard B3, tune down 1 semitone to A#4. (Note: Tuning B3 down 1 semitone would typically result in A#3. Reaching A#4 implies an octave jump. Pay close attention to the octave on your tuner.)
• String 1 (High E): From standard E4, tune down 1 semitone to D#5. (Note: Tuning E4 down 1 semitone would typically result in D#4. Reaching D#5 implies an octave jump. Pay close attention to the octave on your tuner.)

General Recommendation: Whenever tuning strings significantly up or down (exceeding 4 semitones in either direction, as with String 6 here), it is highly advisable to use a different gauge string set to maintain optimal tension, prevent string breakage, and ensure stable tuning. Low tunings like this benefit greatly from heavier strings.

The open notes for the Tom Sykes tuning are:

• String 6: B1
• String 5: F#3
• String 4: B2
• String 3: E3
• String 2: A#4
• String 1: D#5