About This Tuning:

Immerse yourself in the evocative soundscape of Adrianne Lenker's 'Womb' with this unique and deeply resonant tuning. Designed to capture the raw, emotional depth of the song, this tuning transforms your guitar into an instrument of melancholic beauty and haunting harmonies. Its non-standard intervals create a distinct character, perfect for atmospheric textures and experimental songwriting, much like Lenker's own work. It offers a rich, somber foundation, inviting exploration beyond conventional chord shapes.

Technical Analysis:

Technically, this tuning sets the guitar strings to B1 F#3 C#4 F3 F#4 C#5 (from low E to high E string). From the lowest string (B1), the intervals are: Root (B), Perfect Fifth (F#), Major Ninth (C#), Diminished Fifth/Augmented Fourth (F natural), Perfect Fifth (F# an octave higher than the 2nd string), and Major Ninth (C# an octave higher than the 4th string). The unique presence of both F# and F natural creates a fascinating harmonic tension, preventing it from settling into a simple major or minor open chord. While not an open major or minor, the B and F# on the lowest strings provide a strong root and fifth foundation, suggesting a B5 power chord. The inclusion of C# (the 2nd) further develops this towards a Bsus2-like quality on the lowest strings. The F natural on the 3rd string introduces a tritone from the root B, giving it a characteristic dissonant, bluesy, or melancholic edge, potentially leading to voicings akin to Bdim5 or Baug4 sounds. This tuning encourages exploration of unconventional voicings and arpeggios, particularly those built around the B and F# framework with the added tension of the F. Chords like B5, Bsus2 (when carefully avoiding or resolving the F), and shapes that highlight the tritone are readily available. The significant downtuning on all strings results in much lower string tension, which can feel slacker under the fingers and produce a darker, more resonant tone, though it may require a heavier string gauge for optimal playability and intonation.

Tuning Notes (from low to high):

String 6: B1

String 5: F#3

String 4: C#4

String 3: F3

String 2: F#4

String 1: C#5

How to Tune:

For this tuning, you will be tuning all strings down from standard EADGBE. Please note the significant semitone drops for several strings; consider a heavier gauge string set for optimal performance and to maintain proper tension.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. Warning: This is a significant drop of 5 semitones. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal playability and intonation.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitones to C#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 5 semitones to F#4. Warning: This is a significant drop of 5 semitones. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal playability and intonation.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.