Verbal and Technical Analysis

The "Blixa Bargeld" tuning is a distinctive and highly influential setup, famously utilized by Blixa Bargeld himself in both Einstürzende Neubauten and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. As described, it's remarkably accessible from a standard set of strings, making it a practical choice for guitarists looking to explore new sonic territories without needing specialized equipment.

This tuning excels as a slide tuning, offering a rich, resonant drone quality that is perfect for sustained notes and atmospheric soundscapes. While it can produce "interesting (if a tad hellish)" results with standard first-position fingerings due to its non-standard intervals, its unique structure lends itself to creative and unconventional playing. Blixa Bargeld is indeed credited with the 'invention' of the "one-finger chord," which is essentially barring all strings at a single fret. This tuning perfectly facilitates this technique, making it a cornerstone of its playability.

Technical Breakdown

The open string configuration is D-A-D-A-A-D (from low E to high E string). This arrangement creates a powerful and resonant D5 (power chord) across multiple octaves.

• The 6th string (low E) is tuned to D2.
• The 5th string (A) remains A2.
• The 4th string (D) remains D3.
• The 3rd string (G) is tuned to A3.
• The 2nd string (B) is tuned to A3.
• The 1st string (high E) is tuned to D4.

The open tuning consists of the notes D, A, D, A, A, D. This is essentially a D power chord (D5) spread across three octaves, with the root (D) and fifth (A) reinforced. The unison A notes on the 3rd and 2nd strings (A3 and A3) create a unique drone and resonance.

Because of this D5 structure, a simple one-finger barre across any fret will instantly yield a power chord (root and fifth) based on that fret. For example, barring at the 1st fret produces a D#5, the 2nd fret an E5, and so on. This makes it incredibly easy to create driving, resonant riffs and power chord progressions with minimal effort. The tuning's inherent power chord quality also makes it an excellent foundation for experimental, industrial, or drone music, allowing for dense, sustained textures.

How to Tune

To achieve the Blixa Bargeld tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3. Please exercise caution when tuning up strings; while 2 semitones is generally safe for standard gauges, always tune slowly and listen to your strings.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

6th String: D2
5th String: A2
4th String: D3
3rd String: A3
2nd String: A3
1st String: D4