The Grounded Tuning: An Indie Signature

This distinctive tuning, famously utilized in the 5th song on Pavement's "Wowee Zowee" album, is far from conventional. It's a testament to the band's experimental approach, offering a soundscape that is both raw and intricately textured. Guitarists seeking to evoke a unique, slightly dissonant, and highly atmospheric vibe will find this tuning a captivating canvas, as recommended by the tuning's original description.

Verbal Analysis

The "Grounded" tuning immediately suggests a deep, earthy foundation, largely due to the significantly dropped 6th and 2nd strings. The overall feel is one of expansive resonance, with certain intervals creating a beautiful tension. It doesn't lend itself to straightforward open major or minor chords, but rather invites exploration of complex harmonies, drones, and unusual melodic phrases. It has a distinctive indie-rock character – a blend of simplicity and sophisticated discord, perfect for creating unique sonic landscapes.

Technical Analysis

When tuning from standard EADGBe, the open string notes are configured as D2-A2-C#3-G#3-B2-D4. This tuning presents a fascinating array of intervals, creating a non-linear and highly unique sound:

• The 6th and 5th strings (D2-A2) form a perfect fifth, providing a solid, resonant low-end drone.
• The 5th and 4th strings (A2-C#3) form a major third.
• The 4th and 3rd strings (C#3-G#3) form another perfect fifth.
• Crucially, the 3rd and 2nd strings (G#3-B2) are arranged such that the 2nd string is *lower* in pitch than the 3rd string, creating a significant and unexpected interval drop that adds to the tuning's unique character.
• The 2nd and 1st strings (B2-D4) form a compound minor third (a minor tenth).

Strumming all open strings yields the notes D, A, C#, G#, B. This is not a simple triad but a rich, somewhat dissonant chord cluster. It contains elements of a D major seventh chord (D-A-C#) but the inclusion of G# (a #11 from D) and B (a major 6th) gives it a complex, Lydian-dominant-like flavor, or an A Major 7th chord (A-C#-G#) with added 2nd (B) and 4th (D). This makes the tuning less about direct, easily recognizable chord shapes and more about creating compelling sonic textures and melodic possibilities with open strings and simple fingerings. Power chords and open string drones will sound particularly impactful due to the low D and A strings, while the higher string combinations offer bright, sometimes clashing, melodic opportunities. The unusual interval between the 3rd and 2nd strings, where the 2nd string is an octave below its standard pitch, opens up possibilities for deep, resonant bass notes within higher voicings.

Given the significant pitch drops on the 6th and especially the 2nd string (a full octave), players may consider using slightly heavier gauge strings to maintain optimal tension, stability, and intonation for these strings.

How to Tune to Grounded

To achieve the Grounded tuning, you'll be adjusting several strings from standard EADGBe (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4). Pay close attention to the semitone movements for each string.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from A2. It remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone from D3 to C#3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 1 semitone from G3 to G#3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 12 semitones from B3 to B2. This is a full octave drop. For optimal playability, tension, and intonation, a different string gauge (typically heavier) is strongly advised for this string due to the extreme pitch change.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Always tune carefully, checking the pitch frequently to avoid over-tightening or breaking strings, especially when adjusting significantly. Consider professional setup if you frequently switch to tunings with large pitch deviations.