Verbal and Technical Analysis

This tuning is notably used by Big Wreck on their track "The Oaf (My Luck Is Wasted)", among other compositions. It's a deep, resonant tuning that creates a distinct sonic signature.

Verbal Observations

The Oaf Tuning delivers a thick, heavy, and somewhat dark sound, ideal for powerful rock and alternative music. The significant detuning across most strings contributes to a slacker string feel, often preferred for a heavier attack and pronounced vibrato. The low C# on the 6th string provides a deep foundation, while the doubled F# notes on the middle strings create a rich, droning quality. The high C# on the 1st string maintains melodic clarity and provides a shimmering top end. This tuning naturally lends itself to open, ringing chords and aggressive, low-end riffs, giving a full sound with minimal effort.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to C#3 - F#3 - C#4 - F#4 - F#4 - C#5. This configuration essentially forms an open C#sus4 chord across the strings. Let's break down the intervals relative to the lowest C# (String 6):

• String 6 (C#3): The Root.
• String 5 (F#3): A Perfect Fourth above the Root.
• String 4 (C#4): An Octave above the Root.
• String 3 (F#4): A Perfect Fourth above the Root, one octave higher than String 5.
• String 2 (F#4): A Unison with String 3, also a Perfect Fourth above the Root (two octaves above String 5's F#).
• String 1 (C#5): Two Octaves above the Root.

Chords and Playability

Given the open C#sus4 voicing, simply strumming all open strings produces a rich, full chord perfect for intros or powerful rhythmic passages. Basic power chords (root and fifth) are very accessible; for instance, fretting the 6th string at the 2nd fret (D#) and the 5th string at the 2nd fret (G#) will give you a D#5 power chord. Barring across all strings at any fret will maintain the inherent C#sus4 relationship, shifting the root note. The abundance of C# and F# notes makes droning riffs and open-string pedal tones highly effective. By adding a minor third (E) or major third (E#) on any of the C# strings, you can quickly establish a clear C# minor or C# major tonality, respectively, over the open suspended framework.

How to Tune

This tuning requires significant detuning for several strings, so proceed carefully. For strings with large drops (exceeding 4 semitones), using a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain optimal tension and tone, and to prevent potential string damage or intonation issues. Always ensure your guitar's intonation is checked after significant tuning changes.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 5 semitones to F#4. (Caution: This is a substantial drop. Consider a heavier gauge string for better tension and tone stability.)
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.

When performing such large drops, loosen the strings slowly and gradually, allowing the string to settle. Playing the string gently as you tune down can help it reach the desired pitch more smoothly.

String 6 (Lowest): Tuned to C#3 (C Sharp in the 3rd Octave).
String 5: Tuned to F#3 (F Sharp in the 3rd Octave).
String 4: Tuned to C#4 (C Sharp in the 4th Octave).
String 3: Tuned to F#4 (F Sharp in the 4th Octave).
String 2: Tuned to F#4 (F Sharp in the 4th Octave).
String 1 (Highest): Tuned to C#5 (C Sharp in the 5th Octave).