Gilag Tuning: A Deep Dive

The Gilag Tuning, as described for the Guitar, is a highly distinctive and deep re-tuning from standard EADGBe. As per its description "Gilag tuning for the gilag bang tuning", it suggests a unique and potentially powerful sonic landscape, moving away from conventional tonalities. This tuning emphasizes lower registers and non-standard intervals, offering a fresh palette for experimentation.

Technical Analysis

This is a radical drop tuning, with all strings significantly lowered from standard E Standard tuning. The open notes are configured as follows: C2-D2-C3-D3-A3-D4 (from lowest to highest string). This creates a very wide intervallic spread, with the lowest string tuned to C2, two full steps below the standard low E2, and the highest string also significantly lowered to D4.

• The tuning features a notable presence of the notes C and D, with two C's (C2, C3) and three D's (D2, D3, D4), along with a single A (A3).
• The arrangement C2-D2 on the lowest two strings creates a wide major second interval, producing a thick, resonant low end.
• On the higher strings, the D3-A3-D4 forms a strong D power chord or an open D voicing, which can serve as a powerful foundation for riffs and melodies.
• The overall voicing (C-D-C-D-A-D) does not immediately form a simple open major or minor chord. Instead, it suggests a more open, suspended, or modal character. It hints at a Cadd9sus2 or a Dsus2/4 tonality due to the presence of C, D, and A.
• The repeating C-D pattern across strings 6-5 and 4-3, combined with the D-A-D on the upper strings, could be leveraged for unique drone patterns and melodic lines that resonate with a rich, full sound.

Chords and Playability

While not an open chord tuning in the traditional sense, the Gilag tuning offers specific advantages:

• Open Voicings: The top three strings (D3-A3-D4) resonate as a powerful D power chord, which is readily accessible and can be used as a strong starting point for many progressions.
• Power Chords: Due to the parallel nature of the D-A-D on strings 3, 2, 1, simple two or three-finger power chords can be easily formed by barring across these strings.
• Drone Capabilities: The low C2 and D2 strings provide an excellent foundation for drone-based music, especially when combined with the higher D notes.
• Modal Explorations: The unique intervals and combination of C, D, and A notes make this tuning ideal for exploring specific modes or creating original, non-diatonic sonic textures.

How to Tune to Gilag

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Please proceed with caution, especially with the larger drops, and consider using a heavier gauge string set if you plan to keep your guitar in this tuning for extended periods.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. (E → Eb → D → Db → C)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 7 semitones from A2 to D2. (A → Ab → G → Gb → F → E → Eb → D) (Note: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant drop; heavier gauge strings are highly recommended for optimal tension and tone.)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3. (D → Db → C)
• String 3 (G): Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. (G → Gb → F → E → Eb → D) (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant drop; heavier gauge strings are highly recommended for optimal tension and tone.)
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3. (B → Bb → A)
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4. (E → Eb → D)

Given the substantial downward tuning, especially on strings 5 and 3, careful attention to string tension and intonation is advised. A professional setup may be beneficial for optimal performance in this unique tuning.

Here are the notes for each string in the Gilag tuning:

• String 6 (Lowest): C2
• String 5: D2
• String 4: C3
• String 3: D3
• String 2: A3
• String 1 (Highest): D4