The Incinerate tuning is famously associated with experimental rock pioneers Sonic Youth, specifically used for their track of the same name. This highly unconventional tuning embodies the band's signature approach to guitar, pushing the boundaries of traditional harmony and creating a distinct sonic landscape.

Technically, this tuning is a radical departure from standard EADGBe. It features a majority of strings significantly downtuned, with one string also tuned up. The resulting open string notes are D2, D#3, A#3, D#4, G3, G4. This creates a very dense and often dissonant harmonic environment, characteristic of Sonic Youth's sound, where conventional chords are less prominent than textures and resonant qualities.

While not forming a clear, traditional major or minor chord across all open strings, the tuning offers unique intervallic relationships. For example, the low D2 provides a deep foundation, with the D#3 (a semitone above the D) immediately creating a strong tension. The subsequent A#3 (a tritone from D, or a perfect fifth from D# if considering D# as a temporary root) further adds to this open, almost atonal feel. The D#4, G3, and G4 create clusters and dissonances that invite experimental fingering and melodic exploration over traditional chord shapes.

Players can explore rich drones, shimmering harmonics, and percussive, ringing sounds that leverage the inherent dissonance and resonance of the open strings, rather than relying on standard chord voicings. This tuning is ideal for those looking to break free from conventional guitar playing and create challenging, textural soundscapes.

Open String Notes:

• String 6 (Low E): D2
• String 5 (A): D#3
• String 4 (D): A#3
• String 3 (G): D#4
• String 2 (B): G3
• String 1 (High E): G4

How to Tune:

To achieve the Incinerate tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 6 semitones to D#3. Caution: This is a significant drop in tension. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal playability and intonation.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 4 semitones to A#3. Caution: A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal playability and intonation.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 4 semitones to D#4. Caution: A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal playability and intonation.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Caution: A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal playability and intonation.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 3 semitones to G4. Careful: Tuning up multiple semitones increases string tension. Ensure your string can handle the increased tension safely.

Please take care when making large tuning adjustments, especially when tuning strings significantly up or down. Always ensure your instrument's neck is properly adjusted for significant tension changes.