Verbal Analysis

This unique tuning, aptly named "Ego Death Tuning" after Polyphia's iconic track, immediately suggests a soundscape built for modern progressive guitar. The significantly lowered strings create a deeply resonant and somewhat dark foundation, perfect for intricate melodic lines, complex harmonies, and percussive riffing characteristic of the genre. The broad range of notes from the low D2 to the high D4 allows for expansive musical exploration, offering both powerful low-end impact and bright, cutting lead tones. It's a tuning that demands attention, pushing the boundaries of conventional harmony and providing a fertile ground for avant-garde compositions.

Technical Analysis

The tuning is structured as D2-A2-F2-C3-G3-D4 (low to high). This is a highly unconventional and sophisticated setup. When all open strings are strummed, they form a complex D minor 7 (add 11) chord (D-F-A-C-G). Specifically:

• The 6th string (D2) serves as the root.
• The 5th string (A2) provides a perfect 5th.
• The 4th string (F2) introduces the minor 3rd.
• The 3rd string (C3) adds the minor 7th.
• The 2nd string (G3) acts as the perfect 4th or 11th.
• The 1st string (D4) completes the octave.

This rich open chord provides an immediate harmonic complexity. The significant drops on the inner strings (D3 to F2, G3 to C3, B3 to G3) create an unusual tension and depth not typically found in standard tunings. This configuration facilitates unique fingerings for chords and melodies, often allowing for dense voicings with minimal effort. The open 6th and 1st strings being D offers a strong tonal center, while the internal minor 3rd (F) and minor 7th (C) contribute to its melancholic yet powerful character. The tuning lends itself well to techniques like tapping and hybrid picking, enabling the player to leverage the open string harmonies in creative ways.

How to Tune

Given the extreme changes, particularly on strings 4, 3, and 2, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set than standard to maintain proper string tension and intonation, and to prevent string breakage or neck damage. Proceed with caution during tuning.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2. (Standard gauge is generally safe.)
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains A2. (No change needed.)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 9 semitones from D3 to F2. (Heavy gauge string strongly advised. This is a very significant drop.)
• String 3 (G): Tune down 7 semitones from G3 to C3. (Heavy gauge string strongly advised. This is a very significant drop.)
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones from B3 to G3. (A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance.)
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4. (Standard gauge is generally safe.)

The tuning for your guitar is as follows:

• String 6: D2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: F2
• String 3: C3
• String 2: G3
• String 1: D4