The "Burden In My Hand" tuning, famously used by Soundgarden, delivers a distinct sonic palette often described as Mixolydian #4, Lydian Dominant 7, or 'Lyxian'. This tuning establishes a powerful and resonant foundation, creating an open sound that is both heavy and harmonically rich. The low C provides a deep, guttural presence, characteristic of Soundgarden's sound, while the open C major chord structure (C-G-C-G-G-E) allows for immediate, full-bodied chording and drone-like textures.

Technical Analysis

• The open strings form a C Major chord (C-G-C-G-G-E), offering a massive and resonant C Major tonality without fretting.
• The prominent low C (string 6) provides a powerful, often detuned, foundation for heavy riffs.
• The repeated G notes (strings 5, 3, 2) and C notes (strings 6, 4) create a dense harmonic cluster, ideal for drone-based playing and sustained power chords.
• This configuration naturally lends itself to exploring modes with a raised 4th/11th, such as the Lydian Dominant, which fits the stated "Mixolydian #4" or "Lyxian" sound. Open chord voicings will readily adapt to these modal characteristics.
• Due to the open C Major chord, many common barre chord shapes can be adapted to produce interesting, often heavier, variations of major and dominant chords.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Burden In My Hand" tuning from standard E Standard (E-A-D-G-B-E):

• Low E String (6th): Tune down 4 semitones from E to C. Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop; consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and tension.
• A String (5th): Tune down 2 semitones from A to G.
• D String (4th): Tune down 2 semitones from D to C.
• G String (3rd): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• B String (2nd): Tune down 4 semitones from B to G. Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop; consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and tension.
• High E String (1st): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

String 6 (Low E): C2

String 5 (A): G2

String 4 (D): C3

String 3 (G): G3

String 2 (B): G3

String 1 (High E): E4