Tuning Overview: Creep OptimiEd

This unique tuning, aptly named "Creep OptimiEd," is meticulously crafted for the iconic sound of Radiohead's "Creep." It offers a deeply resonant and melancholic sonic landscape, perfectly suiting the song's brooding atmosphere.

Verbal Analysis

At its heart, this tuning creates a rich, dark texture. The open strings immediately evoke a somber, cinematic feel, heavily leaning into a minor tonality with a distinctive, slightly dissonant edge. The lowest strings are tuned significantly down, providing a powerful, almost orchestral depth, while the unison G notes on the third and second strings contribute to a thick, sustained resonance. The highest string, D# (enharmonically Eb), ensures the minor character permeates the entire range of the instrument, creating a cohesive, moody soundscape.

Technical Analysis

• The open tuning is C2-G2-B2-G3-G3-D5# (from low 6th string to high 1st string).
• This arrangement of notes forms a powerful C minor (major 7th) chord (Cm(maj7)): C (root), G (fifth), B (major 7th), G (fifth), G (fifth), D# (enharmonically Eb, the minor third). This specific voicing is the core of its melancholic character.
• The deep drop to C2 on the 6th string, paired with G2 on the 5th, establishes a strong, low fundamental.
• The B2 on the 4th string adds a major 7th tension against the C root, defining the unique Cm(maj7) quality.
• The identical G3 notes on the 3rd and 2nd strings are a notable feature, allowing for rich, droning voicings and easy access to open string melodies.
• The high D5# (Eb5) on the 1st string reinforces the minor tonality and provides a bright, yet dark, top voice.
• While the open tuning offers a complete Cm(maj7), simple fingerings like barring across frets will produce variations of this chord or related minor voicings, often with added tension or extensions due to the unique intervals. Power chords are easily accessible on the lower strings, and the repeated G3 allows for creative drone and pedal tone applications.

Open String Notes

• 6th String (Low E): C2
• 5th String (A): G2
• 4th String (D): B2
• 3rd String (G): G3
• 2nd String (B): G3
• 1st String (High E): D5#

How to Tune (from Standard E-A-D-G-B-E)

To achieve the "Creep OptimiEd" tuning, follow these precise adjustments for each string. The target note for each string is listed, along with the required semitone movement from its standard E-A-D-G-B-E position:

• 6th String: Tune to C2. This requires tuning down 4 semitones.
• 5th String: Tune to G2. This requires tuning down 2 semitones.
• 4th String: Tune to B2. This requires tuning down 3 semitones.
• 3rd String: Tune to G3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String: Tune to G3. This requires tuning down 4 semitones.
• 1st String: Tune to D5#. This requires tuning down 1 semitone.

Important Note on String Gauge: When tuning strings more than 4 semitones up or down (e.g., -4 semitones for the 6th and 2nd strings in this tuning, or +4 semitones and beyond), it is generally advised to use a different gauge string to prevent breakage and ensure optimal playability and intonation.