Tuning Analysis: Headlong

The "Headlong" tuning for Guitar, as described for the song "Headlong," is a profoundly altered and unique low tuning. It pushes the boundaries of standard guitar setup, creating a sonic landscape that is likely deep, resonant, and potentially quite aggressive or atmospheric. This tuning is designed to impart a specific character, emphasizing the lower register and wide open intervals.

Verbal Analysis

"Headlong" immediately suggests a sense of propulsion, urgency, or perhaps a powerful, unbridled energy. The tuning certainly delivers on a deep and commanding sound. With most strings significantly dropped from standard, it will feel very loose under the fingers, inviting heavy strumming, percussive attacks, and potentially slide techniques. The overall character is dark and brooding, with a resonant quality that can fill a space. The wide drops across multiple strings hint at a focus on open, ringing chords, drones, and melodic lines that utilize the unique intervallic relationships. It's a tuning that steps away from conventional harmony, pushing towards a more textural and impactful sound, perfect for driving rock, metal, or experimental soundscapes.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to C2-F2-G2-D3-A3-D4 (low to high).

• Open String Notes: C2, F2, G2, D3, A3, D4
• Intervals: The lowest three strings (C2-F2-G2) present an interesting cluster: a perfect fourth (C to F) followed by a major second (F to G). This creates a strong C-G perfect fifth relationship across the 6th and 4th strings, with the F adding a suspended or Lydian quality. The top three strings (D3-A3-D4) form a clear and powerful D5 (power chord), providing a bright, open, and easily movable voicings.
• Harmonic Content: Collectively, the open strings contain the notes C, D, F, G, A. If C is considered the root, this could be interpreted as a complex C(add4, add9, add13) or C6/9sus4 chord. The absence of a major or minor third directly on the lowest string, combined with the presence of the 4th (F) and 9th (D) and 13th (A), creates an open, somewhat ambiguous, but rich tonality. The dominant D5 on the upper strings provides a strong, clear voice.
• Chordal Potential: While not a simple open major or minor chord, the entire open tuning produces a full, resonant sound that can serve as a drone or a foundation for complex voicings. The D5 on the top three strings is immediately accessible for power chords and melodic fragments. The C-F-G relationship on the lower strings, with the G being a fifth above C, makes it easy to root chords around C or G. Barring across the upper strings at various frets will yield clear D-based power chords or sus chords due to the D-A-D pattern. The significant slackness of the strings also opens up possibilities for expressive string bends and vibrato, as well as percussive "chugs" often found in heavier genres.

How to Tune

This tuning requires substantial adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Please proceed carefully and ensure your guitar's truss rod is adjusted if you plan to keep this tuning for extended periods, especially given the significant drops in string tension. For tunings exceeding 4 semitones, a heavier gauge string set is highly recommended to maintain playability and intonation.

• 6th String (Low E): From its standard E2, tune down 4 semitones to C2.
• 5th String (A): From its standard A2, tune down 4 semitones to F2.
• 4th String (D): From its standard D3, tune down 7 semitones to G2. This is a very significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string to prevent excessive floppiness and maintain tone.
• 3rd String (G): From its standard G3, tune down 5 semitones to D3. This is a substantial drop; a heavier gauge string is advised.
• 2nd String (B): From its standard B3, tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): From its standard E4, tune down 2 semitones to D4.
• Please be aware that the drops of 7 and 5 semitones are considerable. Using a suitable heavier gauge string set will significantly improve playability, intonation, and string life for this specific tuning.