Known as the "Dead Boys Live Tuning," this unique setup is inspired by Sam Fender's live performances, particularly for tracks that demand a distinctive, resonant character. This tuning departs significantly from standard EADGBe, creating a soundscape that is both heavy and melodically rich, ideal for driving rock anthems and introspective, moody passages.

Verbal Analysis

The overall feel of this tuning is low and powerful, primarily rooted in C# minor. The lowest string is tuned down to C#2, providing a deep, guttural foundation similar to drop tunings, but the subsequent string intervals create a more complex harmonic texture. The open strings C#2, F#2, D#3, E3, G#3, C#4 hint at a C# minor tonality, with the F#2 acting as a perfect fourth and the D#3 as a major second (or ninth) above C#, adding a distinctive color.

While not a conventional open chord tuning, the arrangement facilitates specific voicings and powerful riffs. Open power chords are easily accessible on the lower strings, like a C#5 on the 6th string (C#2) and an F#5 on the 5th string (F#2). The close proximity of the 4th string (D#3) and 3rd string (E3) (a minor second apart) allows for interesting dissonant voicings or quick, bluesy hammer-ons and pull-offs. The higher strings provide a C# minor arpeggio fragment (E3-G#3-C#4), making melodic runs in C# minor very natural across the top three strings. This tuning is excellent for creating a full, expansive sound without relying heavily on complex fingerings for basic harmony.

Technical Analysis

• String Notes: C#2 F#2 D#3 E3 G#3 C#4 (low to high).
• Interval Structure (from lowest to highest string):
• 6th String (C#2) to 5th String (F#2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• 5th String (F#2) to 4th String (D#3): Major 6th (9 semitones)
• 4th String (D#3) to 3rd String (E3): Minor 2nd (1 semitone)
• 3rd String (E3) to 2nd String (G#3): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
• 2nd String (G#3) to 1st String (C#4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• This tuning is highly chromatic between the 4th and 3rd strings (D# and E), offering a unique harmonic tension or quick chromatic movement.
• The open strings do not form a simple major or minor chord but establish a strong C# minor tonality with additional extensions (4th, 9th), making it versatile for both heavy, open-string riffs and more nuanced melodic work.

The notes for the "Dead Boys Live Tuning" are as follows, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st) string:

• 6th String (Low E): C#2
• 5th String (A): F#2
• 4th String (D): D#3
• 3rd String (G): E3
• 2nd String (B): G#3
• 1st String (High E): C#4

How to Tune

To achieve the "Dead Boys Live Tuning" from standard EADGBe tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4), follow these precise adjustments for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones from its standard E2 pitch to C#2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 3 semitones from its standard A2 pitch to F#2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 1 semitone from its standard D3 pitch to D#3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from its standard G3 pitch to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 3 semitones from its standard B3 pitch to G#3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 3 semitones from its standard E4 pitch to C#4.

Important Note on String Gauge: When tuning strings significantly (generally beyond 4 semitones up or down), it is often advisable to consider a different string gauge to maintain proper tension, intonation, and string longevity. For this particular tuning, all string adjustments are within a relatively safe range (-3 to +1 semitones from standard), so a standard set of strings should generally suffice, but always exercise caution and listen to your instrument.