Prepare for a journey into the deep, resonant world of Mike Mushok's iconic Staind tuning. As described, this tuning was meticulously crafted for Staind's "Break the Cycle" album, becoming a cornerstone for tracks like "Fade" and "For You." It's a sonic landscape designed for raw power and crushing low-end impact, characteristic of the band's influential sound.

Technical Analysis:

This is a significantly detuned configuration, pushing the boundaries of standard guitar setup. The tuning of C#3-D#3-A#3-C#4-F#4-A#4 (low to high) reveals a deliberate departure from conventional harmony. Unlike traditional open tunings that typically resolve to a major or minor chord across all open strings, this Staind tuning presents a more complex and dissonant set of intervals, clearly optimized for heavy riffing and specific melodic structures rather than open strummed chords.

• The lowest string is tuned to C#3, providing a formidable foundation that is three semitones below standard E.
• The intervallic relationship between the 6th (C#) and 5th (D#) strings is a Major 2nd, which can create a thick, dissonant drone or be utilized for chugging rhythms.
• The 4th string (A#) introduces a distinctive note that, when combined with the lower C# and D#, creates a unique low-end texture.
• The upper strings (C#4, F#4, A#4) do not form a simple open chord. However, the presence of C# on both the 6th and 3rd strings suggests a focal point around C# as a root. Similarly, A# appears on the 4th and 1st strings.

Due to the heavy detuning and the specific intervallic relationships, this tuning is perfectly suited for crafting powerful, low-register power chords and single-note riffs with immense weight. While not an 'open chord' tuning, power chords based around C# and A# will be readily accessible and sound exceptionally thick. The unique intervals also lend themselves to dissonant voicings and heavy, percussive chugs that are synonymous with the Staind sound. Experimentation with two or three-string power chords and muted strumming will unlock its full potential, providing the distinct sonic signature Mushok is known for.

String 6 (Low E): Tuned to C#3.

String 5 (A): Tuned to D#3.

String 4 (D): Tuned to A#3.

String 3 (G): Tuned to C#4.

String 2 (B): Tuned to F#4.

String 1 (High E): Tuned to A#4.

How to Tune:

To achieve the powerful Staind tuning, follow these precise adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Please note the significant detuning on most strings; for movements exceeding 4 semitones, it is highly recommended to consider using a heavier gauge string set to maintain tension and intonation.

• String 6 (Low E): The low E string, typically tuned to E2, should be tune down 3 semitones to reach C#3.
• String 5 (A): The A string, typically tuned to A2, should be tune down 6 semitones to reach D#3. Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier string gauge is advised.
• String 4 (D): The D string, typically tuned to D3, should be tune down 4 semitones to reach A#3. Note: This is at the limit for standard string gauges.
• String 3 (G): The G string, typically tuned to G3, should be tune down 6 semitones to reach C#4. Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier string gauge is advised.
• String 2 (B): The B string, typically tuned to B3, should be tune down 5 semitones to reach F#4. Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier string gauge is advised.
• String 1 (High E): The high E string, typically tuned to E4, should be tune down 6 semitones to reach A#4. Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier string gauge is advised.