The "Isis/Converge" tuning is a deep and heavy tuning, aptly described as a variation where Converge's characteristic low-end aggression meets the atmospheric depth often explored by Isis. It is rooted in a profoundly dropped B, creating a dark, expansive sonic landscape.

Technical Analysis

This tuning, from lowest to highest string, is B1-F#3-B2-E3-G3-B3. It is characterized by its extremely low fundamental pitch and wide intervallic structure. The open strings offer a powerful, complex sonority:

• The two lowest B strings (B1 and B2) provide a solid, droning foundation, often found in very low tunings.
• The F#3 on the 5th string forms a perfect fifth with the low B, reinforcing a B power chord feel, despite its higher octave.
• The open B-F#-B (strings 6, 5, 4) creates a strong B power chord with octave variations.
• The E3 on the 3rd string adds a perfect fourth interval above the lowest B, or a minor second to the F#.
• The G3 on the 2nd string introduces a minor sixth interval relative to the low B, or a minor third to the B on the 1st string.
• The B3 on the 1st string completes the octave set with the lower B's, providing a bright top end to the dark foundation.

Chordal Possibilities

Due to the doubled B notes and the F# perfect fifth, power chords built on the lowest strings will be particularly resonant and massive. Simple two-finger shapes can create crushing low-end power chords across the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings (e.g., fretting the 6th and 4th strings at the same fret for an octave, or the 6th and 5th for a root-fifth). The unique intervals between the higher strings (a perfect fourth between 4th and 3rd, and a minor third between 3rd and 2nd) open up possibilities for interesting melodic and harmonic voicings, especially for chords that incorporate suspensions or minor qualities. Standard chord shapes will need to be completely re-learned, but the presence of multiple B notes makes it easy to root compositions in the key of B, allowing for both heavy, monolithic riffs and spacious, ambient passages.

How to Tune

To achieve this "Isis/Converge" tuning, you will be tuning down significantly from standard E-A-D-G-B-e tuning. Please note the substantial string movements; for optimal tension, intonation, and playability, a heavier gauge string set is highly recommended, especially for strings dropping 4 or more semitones.

• String 6 (Low E to B1): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. (This is a very significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain tension and avoid floppiness.)
• String 5 (A to F#3): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 4 (D to B2): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3 (G to E3): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B to G3): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. (This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string for better performance.)
• String 1 (High e to B3): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. (This is a very significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain tension and avoid floppiness.)

String 6: B1

String 5: F#3

String 4: B2

String 3: E3

String 2: G3

String 1: B3