Description: Loathe Alternate Tuning

This tuning, famously utilized by the band Loathe in some of their compositions, is a testament to pushing the boundaries of guitar tonality. It's designed to create an incredibly deep, dark, and resonant sound, perfect for heavy, atmospheric, and experimental music. Its extreme low end opens up possibilities for crushing riffs, intricate low-register melodies, and expansive, drone-like soundscapes.

Verbal Analysis:

The most striking feature of this tuning is its profound lowness across all strings, with the lowest note, C1#, reaching into sub-bass frequencies typically associated with bass guitars or even keyboards. This offers an almost seismic foundation, allowing for immense sonic weight and a palpable sense of gravity in your playing. The overall feel is one of brooding power and expansive atmosphere.

When played open, the strings present a complex harmonic structure: C1#, A1, E2, A2, D3, F4#. While not a standard open chord, it contains strong elements that can be leveraged. The combination of A1, E2, A2 (strings 5, 4, 3) immediately forms a powerful open A power chord, perfect for heavy rhythm work. The C1# on the 6th string can act as a deep pedal tone, adding a rich, almost dissonant tension against the A power chord, or it can be seen as the root of a very deep C# minor harmony (C# E G#). The D3 and F4# on the higher strings introduce intriguing color, potentially forming an A6add4 or suggesting modal possibilities, particularly if focusing on the D or F# as melodic centers. This intricate voicing encourages players to explore unique chord shapes and melodic ideas, moving beyond conventional rock and metal patterns, and lending itself well to textural and post-metal approaches.

Technical Analysis:

The tuning covers a vast range from C1# to F4#, stretching the limits of a standard guitar's capabilities. The intervals between the open strings (from 6th to 1st) reveal the unique harmonic potential:

• **6th String (C1#):** The extremely low fundamental note.
• **5th String (A1):** A Major 6th up from C1#.
• **4th String (E2):** A Perfect 4th up from A1.
• **3rd String (A2):** A Perfect 4th up from E2.
• **2nd String (D3):** A Perfect 4th up from A2.
• **1st String (F4#):** A Major 6th up from D3.

The sequence of perfect 4ths across strings 5, 4, 3, and 2 (A-E-A-D) forms a highly playable foundation, making it easy to construct power chords and modal lines across these strings. The significant jump from D3 to F4# on the highest string creates a wide, expressive interval that contrasts sharply with the deep bass, allowing for bright, cutting leads or ethereal harmonies to soar over the low-end rumble.

How to Tune:

Achieving this deeply resonant "Loathe alternate tuning" requires significant adjustments from standard E tuning. Given the substantial drops in pitch, **heavier gauge strings are highly recommended** to maintain proper string tension, intonation, and to prevent string floppiness, especially for movements exceeding 4 semitones. You may even consider a baritone guitar for optimal results. Please proceed with caution and use a reliable tuner.

• **6th String (Low E):** Tune down 12 semitones (a full octave) to **C1#**. This extreme drop will necessitate a very thick string.
• **5th String (A):** Tune down 12 semitones (a full octave) to **A1**. Another significant drop, also necessitating a heavy gauge.
• **4th String (D):** Tune down 10 semitones to **E2**. A substantial drop, indicating the need for a heavier string.
• **3rd String (G):** Tune down 10 semitones to **A2**. A significant drop that will benefit from a thicker string.
• **2nd String (B):** Tune down 9 semitones to **D3**. A considerable down-tuning, heavy strings are advised.
• **1st String (High E):** Tune down 10 semitones to **F4#**. This large drop also calls for a heavier gauge string to maintain playability and tone.

The individual string tunings for "Loathe alternate tuning" are as follows:

• **6th String:** Tuned to C1#
• **5th String:** Tuned to A1
• **4th String:** Tuned to E2
• **3rd String:** Tuned to A2
• **2nd String:** Tuned to D3
• **1st String:** Tuned to F4#