Verbal Analysis:

The "C# Variation" tuning for Bass Electric, described by its creator as "Another tuning I use in entropy," presents a distinctly dark and resonant soundscape. The overall feel is one of deep, brooding textures, driven by the low C# on the fourth string and the C on the second string, creating a powerful foundation. The intervallic relationships suggest a sound well-suited for heavy, progressive, or experimental genres where a rich, sustained low end is crucial.

This tuning leans towards lower registers, giving the bass a weighty presence. The open strings offer intriguing harmonic possibilities, moving away from standard major/minor voicings and inviting exploration of dissonant or suspended qualities. The string movements, primarily tuning down, indicate a desire for slacker string tension which can contribute to a fatter, more organic tone.

Technical Analysis:

This is a 4-string bass tuning with the following open notes:

• String 4: C#3
• String 3: G2
• String 2: C3
• String 1: E3

Analyzing the intervals between the open strings:

• String 4 (C#3) to String 3 (G2): A Tritone down (6 semitones).
• String 3 (G2) to String 2 (C3): A Perfect 4th up (5 semitones).
• String 2 (C3) to String 1 (E3): A Major 3rd up (4 semitones).

The open strings C#3-G2-C3-E3 create a unique and somewhat dissonant voicing. The presence of both C# on the lowest string and C on the second string (a minor second apart) creates a strong chromatic tension when played together. If the C# is primarily used as a pedal tone, the upper three strings (G2-C3-E3) form a C Major triad in second inversion (G-C-E). This suggests possibilities for C Major-based harmony on the upper strings over a powerful C# pedal point, creating a Lydian feel or a strong clash depending on context. Conversely, playing the G2, C3, and E3 as a C major chord in 2nd inversion, then adding the C#3 gives a Cmaj(add#9) or Cmaj(b9) kind of sound which is quite jazzy/dissonant.

The tuning makes power chords based on C and C# readily accessible. For example, a C5 power chord can be formed by playing the open C3 on String 2 and the G2 on String 3. A C#5 power chord would involve the open C#3 on String 4 and then fretting the G string at the 3rd fret to get a G#.

Given the string movements are all within -3 semitones, standard string gauges should generally be suitable for this tuning without excessive floppiness, although heavier gauges might enhance clarity and tension for players who prefer a tighter feel, especially on the lowest C# string. Care should always be taken when adjusting string tension.

How to Tune:

To achieve the "C# Variation" tuning, adjust your Bass Electric strings as follows:

• String 4 (Lowest String): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• String 3: Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 2: Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.

All specified movements are within a range where a different gauge string is not strictly necessary, though personal preference for string tension may vary.

String 4: C#3

String 3: G2

String 2: C3

String 1: E3