Verbal Analysis

The "Dick Fucked" tuning, as described by its creator, is a bold and unconventional setup designed to inspire creative exploration, particularly within genres like Midwest Emo, Post-Rock, Post-Punk, and No Wave. The tuning's dark and open character immediately becomes apparent with the low D and E strings, creating a deep, resonant foundation. The unusual intervals throughout the tuning lead to intriguing dissonances and open voicings, perfect for atmospheric textures, chiming arpeggios, and angular riffs. This isn't a tuning for easy pop chords; instead, it encourages players to discover new harmonic possibilities, often leading to stark, emotive soundscapes or cutting, percussive rhythms. The presence of octaves and fifths between some strings, alongside major and minor seconds, creates a sonic tapestry that can feel both familiar and disorientingly fresh.

With the open strings D2-E2-C3-F3-C4-D4, you can find some surprising voicings. For instance, the low D2 and D4 (strings 6 and 1) are an octave apart, providing a strong anchor. The C3 and C4 (strings 4 and 2) also form an octave, which can be easily leveraged for droning tones or powerful melodic statements. An open C suspended 4th chord (C-F-C) is readily available on strings 4, 3, and 2. By fretting the 3rd string at the 2nd fret to make it G3, you can then form a powerful C power chord (C3-G3-C4) using strings 4, 3, and 2. This tuning pushes the player to think outside traditional chord shapes, fostering unique melodic and harmonic ideas often characterized by a sense of tension and release.

Technical Analysis

This tuning deviates significantly from standard E-standard, featuring a range of altered intervals that create its unique sonic footprint. The open notes are D2, E2, C3, F3, C4, D4.

• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (E2): A Major 2nd (M2). This tight interval in the bass registers adds a dense, growling quality.
• String 5 (E2) to String 4 (C3): A minor 6th (m6). An eight-semitone jump, creating a wide and somewhat dissonant interval between these two strings.
• String 4 (C3) to String 3 (F3): A Perfect 4th (P4). A familiar and stable interval that can be used for strong harmonic movement or melodic lines.
• String 3 (F3) to String 2 (C4): A Perfect 5th (P5). This classic interval provides a powerful and resonant backbone, notably creating a C power chord effect between these two strings when played open (F3 and C4).
• String 2 (C4) to String 1 (D4): A Major 2nd (M2). Another close interval, but in the higher register, contributing to chimey or cluster-like sounds.

The tuning features two octave pairings: D2 to D4 (String 6 to String 1) and C3 to C4 (String 4 to String 2). These octaves can be effectively utilized for creating large, open voicings and reinforcing melodic themes across different registers. The overall range spans from D2 to D4, encompassing two full octaves, offering a good balance of low-end depth and high-end clarity. The prevalence of Major 2nd and Perfect 5th intervals, alongside the wider minor 6th, means the tuning often sounds open and airy yet capable of significant tension.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Dick Fucked" tuning from standard E-standard, follow these steps. Please note that significant changes in string tension, particularly for larger movements, might require a different string gauge for optimal playability and to prevent string breakage. The 5th string's movement of 5 semitones down is substantial, and a heavier gauge might be beneficial to maintain proper tension.

• String 6 (Low E to D2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 5 (A to E2): Tune down 5 semitones. (Caution: This is a significant drop. Consider a different string gauge if tuning permanently.)
• String 4 (D to C3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G to F3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 2 (B to C4): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 1 (High E to D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

String 6: D2

String 5: E2

String 4: C3

String 3: F3

String 2: C4

String 1: D4