Verbal Analysis of the 'Meatfield Migraine' Tuning

The 'Meatfield Migraine' tuning for guitar is, as its intriguing name implies, a highly unconventional and radical departure from standard guitar tunings. Explicitly designed for use on "meatfield songs, particularly on the migraine EP," this tuning signals an intent for a very specific, likely heavy, dissonant, or experimental sound. It's not a tuning built for traditional open chords or accessible strumming, but rather one crafted to create unique sonic textures, powerful drone effects, and angular melodic possibilities. The widespread detuning and the strategic placement of unisons suggest a focus on rhythmic intensity and a challenging yet rewarding harmonic landscape, perfectly suited for the avant-garde or heavy genres.

Technical Analysis of the 'Meatfield Migraine' Tuning

Starting from a standard EADGBe tuning, the 'Meatfield Migraine' transforms into D2 A#3 A#3 G3 G3 E4 (from low to high string). This arrangement creates a distinct and often dissonant character:

• Low End Foundation (D2): The 6th string (normally E2) is dropped a whole step to D2. This provides a deep, guttural bass foundation, giving the tuning a heavy, resonant quality that can underpin powerful riffs.
• Strategic Unisons (A#3/A#3 and G3/G3): A defining feature of this tuning is the presence of two consecutive unisons:
  • The 5th and 4th strings are both tuned to A#3. This pairing creates an incredibly thick, resonant two-string voicing, ideal for powerful rhythmic chugging, drone passages, or unique melodic doubling.
  • Similarly, the 3rd and 2nd strings are both tuned to G3. This offers another set of unisons, allowing for quick, rich two-note harmonies or melody lines that feel naturally robust.
• Open Chord Voicing: Playing all open strings (D2, A#3, A#3, G3, G3, E4) does not result in a conventional major or minor chord. The unique combination of notes – D, A#, G, E – forms a highly tense and dissonant cluster. Considered from D, we have a perfect 4th (G), an augmented 5th/minor 6th (A#), and a major 9th (E). This is clearly not designed for traditional strumming but rather to provide a specific, challenging harmonic bedrock for intricate riff construction and sonic exploration.
• Chord Shapes and Playability: The unisons on strings 5/4 and 3/2 simplify creating thick, two-note voicings with minimal effort; a single finger can bar across these pairs at any fret for instant power or octave-like effects. The unusual intervals between the string groups (e.g., A#3 to G3 is a descending minor third) will necessitate rethinking standard chord fingerings. This encourages players to discover new, unique voicings and melodic patterns that exploit the inherent tension and drone possibilities of the open strings, moving beyond conventional guitar harmony.

Current Tuning Notes (from Low E String to High E String)

• String 6: D2
• String 5: A3#
• String 4: A3#
• String 3: G3
• String 2: G3
• String 1: E4

How to Tune Your Guitar to 'Meatfield Migraine'

This section details the necessary adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Please tune each string carefully to reach the target note.

• String 6 (Low E String): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A String): Tune up 1 semitone to A3#.
• String 4 (D String): Tune down 4 semitones to A3#.
• String 3 (G String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B String): Tune down 4 semitones to G3.
• String 1 (High E String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.