The 'Stonergaze' tuning, as its name suggests, is a unique and experimental setup designed for players delving into the heavy, atmospheric sounds of stoner rock and shoegaze genres. This tuning maintains the two highest strings (B and high E) in standard tuning, creating a familiar melodic anchor, while drastically dropping the four lower strings. This split approach offers intriguing harmonic possibilities, allowing for heavy, droning riffs on the low end contrasted with bright, shimmering melodies or standard chord voicings on the high strings.

Technically, the open strings are C2 F2 A#3 D#4 B3 E4. This creates a very wide and somewhat dissonant open voicing. The intervals between adjacent strings are P4 (C-F), Aug4 (F-A#), P4 (A#-D#), Dim4 (D#-B), P4 (B-E). The unique Dim4 interval between the 3rd and 2nd strings (D# to B) breaks conventional harmony, contributing to the distinct 'gaze' sound by providing unexpected tensions and resolutions.

Open Chord Voicings & Potential

• Power Chords: The low C2 and F2 strings (6th and 5th) are a perfect 4th apart, making it incredibly easy to create massive, droning C5 and F5 power chords by simply barring or using two fingers. Similarly, the A#3 and D#4 (4th and 3rd strings) form an A#5 power chord.
• Melodic Contrast: The standard B3 and E4 on the top two strings allow guitarists to employ familiar scales, arpeggios, and lead lines over the heavy, dropped lower strings, creating a rich textural contrast.
• Dissonant Layers: The open tuning itself (C F A# D# B E) doesn't form a conventional major or minor chord. Instead, it offers a complex, extended cluster that is ripe for atmospheric and dissonant soundscapes, characteristic of shoegaze. Chords incorporating the lower dropped strings will have a deep, guttural quality. For example, barring across the 6th, 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings (C F A# D#) creates a unique, dense voicing that could be interpreted as a Bb major triad (Bb D F) with a low F and C, lending itself to rich, sustained chords.
• Experimental Voicings: This tuning encourages exploration beyond standard chord shapes. The mix of perfect 4ths, augmented 4ths, and diminished 4ths between strings will lead to discovery of fresh, unconventional voicings and harmonic textures.

Tuning Notes

String 6: C2
String 5: F2
String 4: A#3
String 3: D#4
String 2: B3
String 1: E4

How to Tune

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 4 semitones from A2 to F2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 4 semitones from D3 to A#3 (Bb3).
• String 3 (G): Tune down 4 semitones from G3 to D#4 (Eb4).
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3 to B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4 to E4.

Note: For strings tuned down 4 semitones (Strings 6, 5, 4, and 3), a heavier gauge string set is highly recommended to maintain proper tension, intonation, and playability, preventing the strings from becoming too loose or buzzing excessively.