This is a truly unique and 'strange' 6-string bass tuning, as aptly described, pushing the boundaries of conventional bass setups. It offers a sonic landscape that is both deep and surprisingly expansive, ideal for experimental genres, ambient textures, or progressive styles where a non-traditional harmonic foundation is desired.

Technically, the tuning notes are C2, D3#, F2, A3#, C3, D4# (from lowest to highest string). This configuration immediately presents a complex harmonic palette. If we consider the unique pitch classes across the open strings: C, Eb (D#), F, Bb (A#). This ensemble suggests a C minor tonality, specifically a C minor 7th chord (C-Eb-G-Bb) but with the G (fifth) missing and an F (fourth) strongly present. The resulting sound is a rich, suspended C minor 7th voicing, providing a dark yet open character.

What makes this tuning particularly distinct are the large, non-monotonic interval jumps between strings, which depart significantly from standard bass tunings that often rely on consistent fourths or fifths. For instance, the jump from C2 (6th string) to D3# (5th string) is a minor tenth (15 semitones), and from C3 (2nd string) to D4# (1st string) is also a minor tenth. The tuning also features a perfect fourth from C2 to F2, and an octave from C2 to C3. This wide spread of notes across the fretboard, especially the higher pitched D3#, A3#, and D4# on what are typically lower strings for a bass, implies a focus on melodic lines and chordal textures that are uncharacteristic for a bass guitar, offering a voice closer to a baritone guitar in its upper registers.

Due to the unusual intervals, traditional open chords will be challenging, but the inherent C minor 7th (no 5th) + F voicing means that a player can quickly establish a melancholic or jazzy mood. Shapes that emphasize octaves (C2 to C3) or the perfect fourth (C2 to F2) will be readily available. The significant detuning across all strings means a very loose feel, which can be advantageous for expressive bends and vibrato, but will require a very heavy gauge string set to maintain adequate tension and intonation, especially with the extremely low tunings on the higher strings.

How to Tune:

• String 6 (C2): Tune down 4 semitones. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones can significantly reduce string tension; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal playability.)
• String 5 (D3#): Tune down 6 semitones. (Note: Tuning down 6 semitones is a substantial adjustment; a heavier gauge string is highly recommended to maintain adequate tension and intonation.)
• String 4 (F2): Tune down 9 semitones. (Note: Tuning down 9 semitones is a very significant drop; a much heavier gauge string is strongly advised to prevent excessive floppiness and intonation issues.)
• String 3 (A3#): Tune down 9 semitones. (Note: Tuning down 9 semitones is a very significant drop; a much heavier gauge string is strongly advised to prevent excessive floppiness and intonation issues.)
• String 2 (C3): Tune down 11 semitones. (Note: Tuning down 11 semitones is an extreme change; a specialized, significantly heavier gauge string or even a different string type is essential for this string to function correctly.)
• String 1 (D4#): Tune down 13 semitones. (Note: Tuning down 13 semitones is a massive, almost two-octave drop for some strings; a specialized, extra-heavy gauge string is absolutely critical to achieve playable tension and avoid potential damage to the instrument. This goes beyond typical string gauges.)