The '4th of July' tuning, famously employed by Soundgarden for their track of the same name, is a heavy and distinctive guitar tuning designed for a powerful, dark sonic landscape. This tuning showcases Soundgarden's penchant for deep, resonant, and often dissonant voicings that are integral to their grunge sound.

Technical Analysis

Technically, this guitar tuning deviates significantly from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, drastically transforming the instrument's lower register. The open strings are set to C2-F2-C3-G3-B3-E4 (low to high).

This configuration immediately presents a rich harmonic palette. When strummed open, the tuning features the notes C, F, G, B, and E. This arrangement strongly implies a Cmaj7 chord (C-E-G-B), with the prominent addition of an F on the 5th string (F2). This creates a Cmaj7(add11) or Cmaj7sus4 sound, offering a brooding, expansive, and somewhat dissonant harmonic quality that is characteristic of Soundgarden's work.

The low C2-F2-C3 configuration provides a massive, droning foundation, perfect for heavy, downtuned riffs and power chords. The interval between the low C and F (a perfect fourth) is particularly impactful, creating a natural power dyad (C5/F5) that can be easily droned or manipulated for a monolithic sonic presence. The upper G3-B3-E4 strings, maintaining the standard G-B-E interval of the top three strings, allow for familiar melodic patterns and chords (like G major, C major, E minor shapes) on the higher register to be played against the deep, resonant lower strings. This blend of a heavily dropped, dark bottom end with relatively standard upper strings offers remarkable versatility, enabling both crushing low-end riffs and intricate melodic lines or brighter chord voicings higher up the neck.

How to Tune

To achieve the '4th of July' tuning on your guitar from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 4 semitones to F2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at G3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at E4.

Important Note: Tuning the 6th and 5th strings down by 4 semitones is a significant drop from standard E. While it is possible to achieve this with standard gauge strings, for optimal tension, intonation, and to prevent string floppiness, especially with sustained use or heavy playing, considering a heavier gauge string set for your lower strings is highly advisable. This will help maintain playability and tone integrity.