The "Save Face" tuning, named after the distinctive sound crafted by the NJ band, offers a powerful and unique sonic palette. This tuning descends significantly from standard EADGBe, centering around C# to deliver a deep, resonant foundation. It's particularly well-suited for heavy riffs, alternative rock, and genres that benefit from a robust low end and open, suspended harmonies.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, the lowest three strings (C#3, G#3, C#4) immediately present a thick, open C# power chord. This configuration makes it effortless to achieve a full, driving sound, ideal for chugging rhythms and heavy chord progressions. The fourth string, tuned to F#4, introduces a suspended quality, giving the open tuning a C#sus4 feel. This creates a blend of power and harmonic tension. The most striking interval occurs between the third and second strings, with a notable drop from F#4 to B3. This creates an unexpected harmonic gap that invites creative melodic lines or specific chord voicings that leverage this descent. Finally, the top two strings, B3 and E4, form a perfect fourth, contributing further to the tuning's overall open and complex harmonic character. The combined open strings (C#, G#, C#, F#, B, E) create a sound reminiscent of a C#minor11 chord, offering a rich, melancholic, yet powerful resonance.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is set to C#3 G#3 C#4 F#4 B3 E4. Let's examine the intervals from the lowest C# string:

• String 6 (C#3) to String 5 (G#3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• String 5 (G#3) to String 4 (C#4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 4 (C#4) to String 3 (F#4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 3 (F#4) to String 2 (B3): Descending Major 6th (9 semitones down, or P4 up if B3 was B4). This is the most unique interval, creating an interesting harmonic dip.
• String 2 (B3) to String 1 (E4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)

The initial three strings (C#3, G#3, C#4) form a clear C#5 power chord. Adding the F#4 on the 3rd string creates a C#sus4 voicing (C#, F#, G#). When all open strings are strummed, the tuning presents the notes C#, G#, C#, F#, B, E. This collection of notes strongly suggests a C#minor11 chord (C# - E - G# - B with an added F# for the 11th). This provides a dark, complex harmonic foundation. Common chord shapes will need to be re-learned, but the open power chord and suspended qualities make for immediate gratification in heavier styles.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Save Face" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps for each string. The target note for each string is provided.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to reach C#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 1 semitone to reach G#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitone to reach C#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 1 semitone to reach F#4.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at E4.

All string movements are within the recommended range (not exceeding negative 4 or positive 4 semitones), so your standard string gauge should be suitable. However, for optimum tension and tone with such a low overall tuning, considering slightly heavier gauge strings, especially for the lower C# string, may enhance your playing experience.