Tuning Analysis: Ocean's Lament

Originating from the 'Ship of Widows' band, this guitar tuning plunges the instrument into a deep, resonant, and somewhat melancholic soundscape. It's a non-standard tuning designed to evoke a sense of weight, atmosphere, and a unique harmonic texture, ideal for heavy, experimental, or atmospheric music.

Verbal Observations

The 'Ocean's Lament' tuning delivers an immediately impactful, low-end presence. With the lowest string dropped to C2, the entire instrument gains significant depth and power. The prominent C and F notes across multiple octaves create a drone-like quality, suggesting vast open spaces or a brooding undercurrent. The juxtaposition of the F3 and B3 (a tritone interval) introduces a dramatic tension, while the very close B3 and C4 on the highest strings allow for intricate, shimmering dissonances or closely voiced melodic fragments. This tuning feels expansive yet intimate, capable of both crushing power chords and delicate, haunting arpeggios.

Technical Analysis

This is a heavily dropped tuning with the open strings set to C2-F2-C3-F3-B3-C4 (low to high). Compared to standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, nearly all strings are tuned down significantly.

• Open Notes: C2, F2, C3, F3, B3, C4
• Intervals (low to high):
  • C2 to F2: Perfect 4th (4 semitones)
  • F2 to C3: Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
  • C3 to F3: Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
  • F3 to B3: Augmented 4th / Tritone (6 semitones)
  • B3 to C4: Minor 2nd (1 semitone)
• The tuning establishes a strong foundation around C and F, with C-F-C-F forming a powerful C suspended 4th chord (Csus4) across the lowest four strings. This provides a rich, open, and somewhat ambiguous harmonic center.
• The inclusion of B3 creates a tension point, pulling away from a simple C major or minor harmony. When all strings are strummed open, it doesn't form a conventional major or minor chord, instead yielding a complex voicing that can be interpreted as a Cmaj7sus4 (missing the G, with an F in the bass) or a powerful, dissonant cluster.
• The minor 2nd interval between B3 and C4 on the two highest strings is a distinctive feature, enabling unique melodic and harmonic possibilities, including easy access to leading tone resolutions or clashing, atmospheric sounds.

Chordal Possibilities

Due to its open string structure, this tuning offers several readily accessible chord voicings and shapes:

• Open Strings: Strumming all open strings creates a rich, resonant, and somewhat dissonant sound, perfect for atmospheric pads or heavy, sustained chords. It carries a strong C and F identity.
• Power Chords: The low C and F notes are excellent for deep power chords. For example, barring the lowest three or four strings at any fret will produce powerful sus4 or 5th voicings easily. A single finger across the 3rd fret on strings 6, 5, 4 would yield a Dsus4/D5 voicing (D-G-D), while barring at the 5th fret yields an Esus4/E5 (E-A-E).
• Csus4/Fsus2 Voicings: The C-F-C-F sequence allows for massive C-suspended chords. By shifting these notes, you can easily create F-suspended 2nd chords.
• Droning: The tuning is highly conducive to drone-based music, where the open strings can ring out beneath melodic lines or shifting harmonies on higher frets.
• Exploration of Dissonance: The B3 and C4 on the high strings, and the F3-B3 tritone, encourage experimental playing with dissonant intervals and voicings that are unique to this tuning.

How to Tune: Ocean's Lament

Achieving the 'Ocean's Lament' tuning requires significant adjustments to most strings. Please tune carefully and gradually. For strings with movements of 4 semitones or more, consider if a different string gauge might be beneficial for optimal tension and tone, though it's often achievable with standard gauges if careful.

• String 6 (Low E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. This is a substantial drop from standard E.
• String 5 (A to F2): Tune down 4 semitones to F2. Another significant drop from standard A.
• String 4 (D to C3): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G to F3): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (B to B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at B3.
• String 1 (High E to C4): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. A significant drop from standard E.