Verbal Analysis

This is an exceptionally deep and distinctive tuning, famously utilized by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard in their song "K.G.L.W." from the album "L.W.". It plunges the guitar into a profoundly low sonic register, creating a heavy, guttural, and often drone-like soundscape. The extensive tuning down across multiple strings establishes a dark, brooding, and expansive atmosphere, perfectly suited for powerful, riff-centric psychedelic rock and genres that thrive on a commanding low-end presence. The unique combination of open strings itself forms intriguing harmonic relationships, inviting players to explore experimental and unconventional voicings.

Technical Analysis

The K.G.L.W. (Outro) tuning sets the open strings to the following notes, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st): B1 F#3 C#4 F#4 B3 E4.

• The 6th string is tuned to an exceptionally low B1, providing a powerful, sub-octave root that forms the foundation for crushing riffs, characteristic of extreme drop tunings but with an even lower fundamental pitch.
• The sequence of F#3, C#4, and F#4 on the 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings respectively, creates an open F# power chord (F# - C# - F#). This configuration makes it incredibly straightforward to perform heavy, resonant power chords with minimal fretting, often with a single finger.
• When considering the full open string set (B1, F#3, C#4, F#4, B3, E4) and normalizing for octaves, the core notes are B, C#, E, and F#. This outlines a rich Bsus2/add4 chord, offering a suspended and harmonically complex sound when all open strings are strummed together. The B3 on the 2nd string reinforces the root, and the E4 on the 1st string adds a prominent perfect 4th.
• This tuning is ideal for single-finger barre chord shapes across the lower strings, leveraging the inherent power chord voicings. Its wide intervals and low register encourage the use of dissonant harmonies, resonant drones, and rhythmic, percussive playing styles.
• Given the significant pitch drops, particularly on the lower strings, this tuning is best suited for guitars equipped with a longer scale length (such as a baritone guitar) or, more commonly, with a set of significantly heavier gauge strings to ensure adequate tension, intonation stability, and to prevent string floppiness.

How to Tune

To achieve the King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard - K.G.L.W. (Outro) tuning, follow these specific adjustments for each string, from thickest to thinnest. Please pay close attention to the recommendations regarding string gauge for larger pitch changes.

• 6th String: Tune down 5 semitones to B1. *Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial drop from standard E. A significantly heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper string tension, intonation, and to avoid excessive string looseness.*
• 5th String: Tune down 3 semitones to F#3. *This is a moderate drop. Consider using a heavier gauge string to ensure optimal playability and tone stability.*
• 4th String: Tune down 1 semitone to C#4.
• 3rd String: Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• 2nd String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• 1st String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.