Overview of Malkmus's '1% of One' D6 Open Tuning

This unique guitar tuning, famously found in Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks' song "1% of One," transforms the standard guitar into a resonant, almost orchestral instrument. It's a complex and deeply characterful open tuning that hints at a D6 chord, offering a rich harmonic palette and a distinctly indie-rock sonic texture.

Verbal Analysis

The overall feel of this tuning is expansive and somewhat melancholic, yet capable of bright, ringing chords. The low D and A strings provide a strong, stable foundation, while the unusual placement of B notes and the higher F# create interesting harmonic tension and release. The significant drop of the 2nd string (B) by a full octave gives this tuning a distinct, almost baritone quality on that string, contributing to a broader sonic landscape. It encourages open, droning sounds and invites experimentation with melodic lines that weave through the sustained harmony.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning are: D2-A2-B2-F4#-B2-F5#. Examining the intervals relative to the lowest string (D), we find:

• 6th String (D): Root
• 5th String (A): Perfect 5th
• 4th String (B): Major 6th
• 3rd String (F#): Major 3rd
• 2nd String (B): Major 6th (an octave below the 4th string's B)
• 1st String (F#): Major 3rd (an octave above the 3rd string's F#)

This arrangement essentially outlines a D Major 6th chord (D-F#-A-B) across the open strings, but with a unique voicing due to the repeated B and F# notes at different octaves, and notably, the exceptionally low B on the 2nd string. The combination of D-A-B-F# creates a rich, full chord with plenty of internal resonance. The two B notes (B2 on strings 4 and 2) and two F# notes (F4# on string 3 and F5# on string 1) create complex voicings and harmonic possibilities.

Chordal Opportunities

Due to its open D6 character, this tuning makes a variety of chords readily accessible:

• Open D6 Chord: The open strings themselves form a beautiful D6 chord, perfect for rich arpeggios or strumming.
• Barre Chords: By barring across any fret, you can easily create movable 6th chords. For instance, barring at the 2nd fret would yield an E6 chord.
• Sus2 and Sus4 Variations: Experimenting with minor adjustments to the F# notes can easily lead to Dsus2 (replacing F# with E) or Dsus4 (replacing F# with G) variations, offering different moods.
• Implied Minor Chords: While inherently major, subtle melodic lines can hint at related minor keys, particularly B minor, given the prominence of the B notes.
• Drone and Pedals: The low D and A strings are excellent for creating drones, allowing melodic lines to be played on the higher strings over a sustained harmonic bed.

This tuning is highly recommended for guitarists looking to explore alternative voicings and expand their harmonic vocabulary beyond standard tunings.

How to Tune to Malkmus's '1% of One' D6 Open Tuning

To achieve this unique tuning, carefully adjust each string according to the instructions below. Please note the warnings about string gauge for significant pitch changes.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones to B2. This is a significant drop; ensure your string can handle the slack without buzzing.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F4#.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 12 semitones (a full octave) to B2. Warning: Tuning down a full octave requires a much heavier gauge string than a standard B string to maintain tension and intonation. Using a standard gauge may result in excessive floppiness or breakage if attempting to tune back up.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 2 semitones to F5#. Caution: Tuning up by 2 semitones increases string tension. Monitor your string and bridge for any undue stress. For changes exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), a different string gauge is generally advised.

Always tune slowly and check string tension carefully, especially with significant pitch changes.