The "Jank tuning" is a distinctive Guitar tuning, famously employed by Lou Diamond of the emo band Jank. This tuning provides a unique sonic character, integral to the band's signature sound.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning offers a complex and often haunting open sound, built upon a deep low end and unconventional string intervals. With the lowest string tuned to C#2, it establishes a rich, resonant foundation. The combination of C#2, G#2, C#3, F2, A#3, and D#4 creates a unique textural landscape that can evoke dark, atmospheric, or angular moods. A particularly notable feature is the significant drop in pitch from the 4th string (C#3) to the 3rd string (F2), which creates an unexpected harmonic leap. This allows for the exploration of unique voicings, arpeggios, and melodic phrasing that diverge from more common tuning patterns, fitting well within the experimental nature of emo and alternative genres.

Technical Analysis

The precise tuning for the Guitar is configured as follows:

• 6th String: C#2
• 5th String: G#2
• 4th String: C#3
• 3rd String: F2
• 2nd String: A#3
• 1st String: D#4

Upon examining the open strings, a powerful C# power chord emerges from the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings (C#2, G#2, C#3), providing a solid tonal anchor. The subsequent string intervals are quite distinct: the 3rd string's F2 sits a major 6th below the 4th string's C#3, creating an unusually large downward interval. The top three strings (F2, A#3, D#4) collectively form an Fsus4-like voicing, where F is the root, A# is a perfect 4th above, and D# is a major 6th above. When strummed open, the full C#2 G#2 C#3 F2 A#3 D#4 tuning encompasses the notes C#, D#, F, G#, and A#. This rich collection can be perceived as an extended C# augmented chord (C#, F, A#) with the addition of G# (a perfect 5th) and D# (a major 2nd). This combination yields a full, yet slightly dissonant and tension-laden, harmonic foundation, opening up avenues for intricate harmonic textures and melodic exploration beyond standard tonal frameworks.

How to Tune

To achieve this specific tuning, adjust each string as follows:

• 6th String (final note C#2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones)
• 5th String (final note G#2): Tune up 2 semitones
• 4th String (final note C#3): Tune up 2 semitones
• 3rd String (final note F2): Tune up 1 semitones
• 2nd String (final note A#3): Tune up 1 semitones
• 1st String (final note D#4): Tune up 1 semitones

Important Note on String Gauge: Based on the provided string movement data, the individual adjustments (tuning up 1 or 2 semitones, or no change) do not exceed the threshold of 4 semitones that would typically require a different string gauge for safety. However, players starting from a standard E tuning should be aware that the overall low pitch of the 6th string (C#2) is quite deep. For optimal string tension and tone, particularly on the lowest string, a heavier gauge set may be beneficial if you are not already using one designed for lower tunings.

String 6: C#2
String 5: G#2
String 4: C#3
String 3: F2
String 2: A#3
String 1: D#4