This is a unique and custom guitar tuning, imaginatively named "Math Emo DACACF" (D A C A C F). According to its creator, it was specifically crafted for a math emo rock song, indicating its design to break away from traditional structures and offer a rich palette for complex and expressive musical ideas.

Technical Analysis

The tuning features the following open notes, from lowest to highest: D2 - A2 - C3 - A3 - C4 - F4. This configuration results in a distinctive sonic character that blends both low-end power with higher string tension.

Compared to standard E Standard tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4), this tuning involves significant alterations:

• The 6th string (low E) is dropped a whole step to D2.
• The 5th string (A) remains at A2.
• The 4th string (D) is dropped a whole step to C3.
• The 3rd string (G) is raised a whole step to A3.
• The 2nd string (B) is raised a half step to C4.
• The 1st string (high E) is raised a half step to F4.

The open strings D-A-C-A-C-F collectively form a D minor 7th chord (D F A C) with a repeated A and C. This gives the open tuning a full, resonant, and slightly dark quality right off the bat, providing a strong harmonic foundation for exploring minor key progressions and modes. The intervals between the strings are:

• 6th to 5th string (D2 to A2): Perfect 5th
• 5th to 4th string (A2 to C3): Minor 3rd
• 4th to 3rd string (C3 to A3): Major 6th
• 3rd to 2nd string (A3 to C4): Minor 3rd
• 2nd to 1st string (C4 to F4): Perfect 4th

This irregular pattern of intervals, including two minor thirds and a major sixth, offers unique melodic and harmonic opportunities. The repeated A and C notes across different octaves (A2, A3, C3, C4) create sympathetic resonance and can be exploited for rich, open voicings and arpeggios. The presence of a low D and C allows for heavy, dropped-tuning riffs, while the higher raised strings (A3, C4, F4) add tension and brightness, characteristic of math rock. Basic D minor 7th chord shapes will be readily available, and exploring inversions and extensions becomes intuitive due to the open string harmony. Chord voicings using the lower D and A with the higher C, A, C, F will yield interesting, angular sounds, perfect for the experimental nature of math emo. Additionally, power chords on the lowest strings will retain their familiar shapes but be rooted in D. Triads and arpeggios that emphasize the minor third and major sixth intervals will give this tuning its distinct voice.

How to Tune

To achieve "Math Emo DACACF" tuning from standard E A D G B E, follow these precise steps. It's important to note that when string movements exceed 4 semitones (either up or down), a different string gauge is often advised to maintain optimal string tension and prevent breakage. In this specific tuning, all individual string movements are within a safe range for standard guitar string gauges.

• 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 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitones to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 1 semitones to F4.