Deathtones Tuning Analysis

The "Deathtones" tuning, specifically designed for Guitar, is described as being "Very twangy Deftones inspired. Easy for open and one to two finger formations." This description immediately signals a focus on open, resonant, and potentially dissonant voicings, characteristic of the band Deftones, known for their atmospheric and heavy soundscapes. The ease of one or two-finger formations suggests a tuning optimized for power chords, drone notes, and simple melodic lines that leverage the open strings.

Technical Breakdown:

• The open strings are tuned to: C#2, F#2, C#3, F1, G#3, C#3 (from low 6th string to high 1st string).
• Analyzing the notes by pitch order: F1, C#2, F#2, C#3, C#3, G#3.
• The dominant notes are C# across three octaves (C#2, C#3, C#3) and its perfect fifth, G#3. This creates a strong C# root and power chord foundation.
• The F#2 on the 5th string adds a perfect fourth, creating an inherent C#sus4 voicing when the 6th, 5th, 4th, 2nd, and 1st strings are strummed open (C# - F# - C# - G# - C#).
• The most striking and unique feature is the F1 on the 3rd string. At F1 (approx. 43.65 Hz), this note is extremely low, even lower than a standard low E string (E2, approx. 82.41 Hz). This provides a deep, almost sub-harmonic drone. The interval between the 3rd string (F1) and the 2nd string (G#3) is approximately two octaves and a minor third (27 semitones), creating a very wide, open, and potentially dissonant sound when played together, contributing significantly to the "twangy" and "Deftones-inspired" character.

Chordal Opportunities:

• Open C#sus4 Drone: Strumming the open strings (particularly 6, 5, 4, 2, 1) provides a rich C# suspended 4th chord, perfect for atmospheric textures and heavy riffs. The F1 on the 3rd string adds a unique, low-end complexity or dissonance.
• Movable Power Chords: The consistent C#-F#-C# (6th, 5th, 4th strings) and C#-G#-C# (6th, 2nd, 1st strings) configuration makes it very easy to achieve powerful, droning chords by simply barring across frets. For example, a single finger barre at the 1st fret would give a Dsus4-like structure, and at the 2nd fret an Ebsus4-like structure.
• Low-End Riffing: The extremely low F1 and C#2, F#2 create a massive low end, ideal for heavy, chugging riffs and rhythmic patterns that exploit the deep resonance. The wide interval between the 3rd and 2nd strings can be used to create interesting harmonic tension.
• This tuning encourages experimental voicings and a focus on open string resonance and drone, aligning well with its stated inspiration.

The Deathtones tuning for a 6-string Guitar is as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): C#2
• 5th String (A): F#2
• 4th String (D): C#3
• 3rd String (G): F1
• 2nd String (B): G#3
• 1st String (High e): C#3

How to Tune:

When adjusting your strings, always approach the target note carefully. Significant tuning changes, especially those exceeding 4 semitones up or down, may require a different string gauge to maintain proper tension and prevent damage to your instrument or strings.

• 6th String (C#2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Ensure your 6th string is tuned to C#2.
• 5th String (F#2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Ensure your 5th string is tuned to F#2.
• 4th String (C#3): Tune up 2 semitones.
• 3rd String (F1): Tune down 11 semitones. Caution: This is an extreme drop. You may need a much heavier gauge string for this to maintain tension and avoid excessive floppiness, or a lighter gauge if tuning from a higher starting point.
• 2nd String (G#3): Tune down 1 semitones.
• 1st String (C#3): Tune down 13 semitones. Caution: This is an extreme drop (more than an octave). A heavier gauge string is highly recommended to prevent the string from becoming too loose and difficult to play, or a lighter gauge if tuning from a higher starting point.