Overview: Mk.Gee's Rockman Drop Tuning

This unique tuning, DGCFG#D, is famously used by Mk.Gee for his track "ROCKMAN." It transforms the standard guitar sound into something deeply resonant and expansive, characterized by its low-end power and distinctive harmonic tension. As an advanced drop tuning, it pushes the boundaries of traditional guitar voicings, inviting exploration into a richer, moodier sonic palette.

Technical Analysis

The tuning features a deep drop across most strings, fundamentally altering the instrument's harmonic landscape. Starting from the lowest string, the tuning establishes a strong D-G-C-F progression (strings 6-5-4-3), creating a sense of stacked fourths similar to 'Drop C' tunings, but even lower. This provides a thick, growling foundation. The most striking deviation occurs on the second string, which is tuned to G#4, creating an augmented second interval with the F3 on the third string (F-G#) and a diminished fifth (tritone) with the high D4 on the first string (G#-D). This G# introduces significant harmonic tension and dissonance into the open tuning, moving it away from conventional major or minor tonalities.

The overall intervallic structure of D-G-C-F-G#-D is highly unconventional: Perfect 4th (D-G), Perfect 4th (G-C), Perfect 4th (C-F), Augmented 2nd (F-G#), Diminished 5th (G#-D). This makes for a very particular sonic signature, suitable for atmospheric, alternative rock, or experimental genres where unique textures are desired over traditional chord shapes.

Verbal & Harmonic Insights

Verbally, this tuning evokes a sense of vastness and depth, almost like a baritone guitar, but with an unexpected twist of bright dissonance. The prevalent drop tuning across the lower strings lends itself beautifully to heavy, ringing power chords and deep, droning riffs. The open D and G notes (6th and 5th strings) create a powerful, resonant low end that anchors the sound. The inclusion of the G# on the second string introduces a melancholic or even eerie quality, particularly when played against the F and D of the adjacent strings. This tension is central to the tuning's character, encouraging players to experiment with non-standard voicings and lead lines that exploit these unique intervals.

While standard open major or minor chords are not readily available in this tuning, its strength lies in its ability to create unique harmonic clusters and expansive sonic textures. Simple two or three-string power chords on the lower strings (e.g., D5 on the 6th and 5th strings) will sound immense. The F-G#-D triad (strings 3-2-1) could suggest a D diminished chord (D-F-Ab) or an F augmented triad (F-A-C#), depending on interpretation of G#. This opens doors for creating complex, shimmering chord voicings with minimal fingering, or using the open strings as drones against fretted notes for cinematic effect. Experimentation with partial chords and single-note melodies will reveal the tuning's full expressive potential, especially in creating suspended or unresolved harmonies.

How to Tune

To achieve the DGCFG#D tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E to D2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• 5th String (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• 4th String (D to C3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• 3rd String (G to F3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• 2nd String (B to G#4): Tune down 3 semitones.
• 1st String (High E to D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

Important Note on String Gauge: All strings are tuned down, but none exceed the recommendation of tuning down by more than 4 semitones for standard string gauges. Therefore, your current string set should generally be fine for this tuning. However, for optimal intonation and playability, especially with such significant drops, you might consider using a slightly heavier gauge set (e.g., "light top/heavy bottom" or "medium" gauge) to maintain appropriate string tension and prevent excessive floppiness, which can improve tone and sustain.