Tuning Analysis: Besitos Guitar

The "Besitos guitar" tuning, notably used by bands like Pierce the Veil, creates a distinct and powerful sonic foundation. This heavy, low-end focused tuning is ideally suited for genres such as metalcore, post-hardcore, and hard rock, providing a thick and resonant sound for driving riffs, impactful power chords, and atmospheric lead work. Its unique interval structure offers both harmonic solidity and intriguing tension.

Technical Overview

The open string notes for this tuning are: C#3 G#3 C#4 G#4 C4 C#5. This setup takes a common low tuning and injects unique chromaticism, making it both familiar in its depth and fresh in its harmonic possibilities.

• Root and Fifth Foundation: The lowest three strings (C#3, G#3, C#4) form a solid C#5 power chord. This configuration allows for incredibly easy and resonant low-end riffing, perfect for heavy rhythm guitar parts where punch and aggression are key.
• Intriguing Intervals: Further up the fretboard, the tuning introduces some compelling intervals. The jump from the 3rd string (G#4) to the 2nd string (C4) is an augmented 4th (a tritone). This highly dissonant interval can be strategically employed to create dramatic tension, dark harmonies, or a sense of unease. Following this, the 2nd string (C4) to the 1st string (C#5) is a minor 2nd, forming a very tight, chromatically rich cluster that can add bite and complexity to voicings.
• Open Chord Potential: When strummed open, all six strings produce the notes C#3 G#3 C#4 G#4 C4 C#5. Interpreting C# as the root, this chord contains the root (C#), perfect fifth (G#), and a C natural. The C natural can be heard as a major seventh *below* the C#, creating a very rich and slightly dissonant flavour that could be described as a C#5(add b9) with stacked fifths. While standard major/minor open chords will require adapted fingerings, the robust low C# and G# make two or three-string power chords incredibly accessible. The unique intervals also invite experimentation for creating distinctive, modern voicings and extended harmonies.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Besitos guitar" tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), carefully adjust each string as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune Down 3 semitones to C#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune Down 1 semitone to G#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune Down 1 semitone to C#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune Up 1 semitone to G#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune Up 1 semitone to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune Down 3 semitones to C#5.

Note on String Gauge: When tuning strings significantly up or down, especially by 3 or more semitones, it's essential to consider string tension and intonation. While tuning down 3 semitones (or up 1 semitone) is generally manageable with standard string gauges, if you frequently use this tuning or experience issues, a slightly heavier gauge string set can provide better intonation and feel. For string movements exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), a change in string gauge is typically recommended.

String 6: C#3

String 5: G#3

String 4: C#4

String 3: G#4

String 2: C4

String 1: C#5