The "Deep Shoegaze Drop" tuning offers a unique and resonant soundscape, as described by its creator for "dreamy shoegaze chords" born from a moment of creative boredom. This is a significantly low and unconventional tuning for a 6-string Guitar, designed to evoke deep, atmospheric textures perfect for shoegaze, drone, or experimental music.

Technical Analysis

This tuning features the open notes C2-F2-A#3-D3-G3-D4. An immediate striking feature is the extremely low overall pitch, with the lowest string tuned to C2, two full steps below standard E2. The intervals between strings are highly irregular and complex, creating a dense and often dissonant harmonic canvas:

• String 6 (C2) to String 5 (F2): A Perfect Fourth (5 semitones).
• String 5 (F2) to String 4 (A#3): A very wide, multi-octave jump of an octave plus an Augmented Fourth (17 semitones).
• String 4 (A#3) to String 3 (D3): This is a descending interval where String 4 is *higher* than String 3. It effectively drops by a Major Sixth (8 semitones) in pitch, creating an inverted string order that is highly unusual and contributes significantly to the tuning's unique character.
• String 3 (D3) to String 2 (G3): A Perfect Fourth (5 semitones).
• String 2 (G3) to String 1 (D4): A Perfect Fifth (7 semitones).

The open strings (C F A# D G D) present a rich, complex sonority. When played open, they form a chord that could be interpreted as a C minor 7th with an added F (11th) and D (9th), or perhaps a highly altered C chord. The A# (Bb) provides a dominant or minor 7th quality, while the F and G create suspended or add9 tensions. The inverted relationship between strings 4 and 3 means that traditional chord shapes will need to be re-imagined and explored for their unique voicings. The lowest notes (C2, F2) provide a powerful, rumbling foundation, while the upper strings offer brighter, yet still melancholic, voicings. The upper D-G-D on the higher strings creates a Dsus4 voicing, which beautifully contrasts with the lower, darker registers. This tuning is ideal for experimental music, evocative soundscapes, and, as noted, shoegaze, where its inherent dissonance and depth can be fully explored.

How to Tune

This tuning requires significant detuning across all strings from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). Due to the substantial drops, especially on the lower strings, it is highly recommended to use heavier gauge strings to maintain proper tension, intonation, and to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument. Tuning down by 4 or more semitones often benefits from a change in string gauge.

• String 6 (Low E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension.
• String 5 (A to F2): Tune down 4 semitones. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension.
• String 4 (D to A#3): Tune down 4 semitones. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension.
• String 3 (G to D3): Tune down 5 semitones. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this significant drop.
• String 2 (B to G3): Tune down 4 semitones. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension.
• String 1 (High E to D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

Here are the notes for each string in the "Deep Shoegaze Drop" tuning, from the thickest (String 6) to the thinnest (String 1):

• String 6: C2
• String 5: F2
• String 4: A#3
• String 3: D3
• String 2: G3
• String 1: D4