Tuning Analysis: Like Suicide

This unique guitar tuning, famously used by Soundgarden in their track "Like Suicide," is a masterclass in creating an atmosphere of unease and tension. As described, it's a distinctive variation of the alternate tunings found on their seminal album Superunknown, deliberately crafted to produce a dissonant drone that underpins the song's heavy, atmospheric soundscape.

Verbal Analysis

The sonic character of "Like Suicide" is deeply rooted in this tuning's ability to generate sustained tension. The open strings immediately present a dark, expansive sound, far removed from conventional major or minor tonalities. The high B and C strings are the primary architects of this tension, creating a stark, almost abrasive minor second interval when played together. This interval refuses to resolve neatly, allowing for a sustained sense of dread and introspection that is a hallmark of Soundgarden's heavier, more experimental work. It encourages a heavy, ringing attack, perfect for sustained chords and droning riffs, rather than intricate melodic lines. The overall feel is heavy and somber, perfectly suiting the song's lyrical themes.

Technical Breakdown (D-G-D-G-B-C)

• 6th String (Low E): Tuned to D2 (a whole step down from standard E).
• 5th String (A): Tuned to G2 (a whole step down from standard A).
• 4th String (D): Remains at D3 (standard).
• 3rd String (G): Remains at G3 (standard).
• 2nd String (B): Remains at B3 (standard).
• 1st String (High E): Tuned to C4 (a major third down from standard E).

This tuning can be broadly categorized as a heavily modified Open G derivative. The lower four strings (D-G-D-G) form a powerful G5 chord (G power chord with octave D) if you consider G as the root, or simply a strong, resonant low-end foundation. However, it's the upper strings (B3 and C4) that truly define its unique and unsettling character. The half-step interval between B and C creates the specific dissonant drone that the description highlights, making it challenging to find traditionally "sweet" harmonies and instead pushing towards stark, impactful voicings that demand attention.

Open Chords and Playability

When all open strings are strummed (D-G-D-G-B-C), the resulting chord is highly complex and dissonant. It contains the notes G, B, C, D. If viewed from a G root, it includes a Major 3rd (B), Perfect 4th/11th (C), and Perfect 5th (D), effectively creating a Gsus4add3 or Gmaj(add11) chord, with the C and B in close proximity generating significant tension. This rich, open voicing is not designed for easy resolution but rather for sustained atmosphere and drone elements.

Due to the significant re-tuning of the lower two and highest string, standard chord shapes are largely unusable in their familiar forms. Players will need to adapt to new fingerings or explore the unique voicings this tuning offers:

• Power Chords: The D-G-D-G foundation on the lower four strings makes it relatively easy to construct powerful, resonant chords by barring across these strings. For instance, barring the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings at the 5th fret would yield a C power chord (C-G-C) with a rich low end. Moving this shape up and down the neck provides easy access to a variety of dominant power chords.
• Drones and Riffs: The open D-G-D-G provides a fantastic basis for heavy, open-string riffs, reminiscent of drop tunings. The dissonant B-C interval on the top strings can be selectively incorporated or muted to vary the harmonic tension, allowing for powerful, sustained drones that are characteristic of Soundgarden's style. Experiment with allowing the high C and B to ring out over lower, heavier riffs for maximum impact.
• Unique Voicings: This tuning actively discourages typical major/minor chord playing and instead promotes exploration of more open, atmospheric, and tension-filled voicings. Experimenting with two or three-string partial chords that leverage the inherent dissonance of the high B-C interval will yield the most authentic results for this tuning's intended purpose, creating rich textures ideal for atmospheric passages.

Tuning Notes & How to Tune

To achieve the "Like Suicide" tuning, follow these specific adjustments from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). The target notes are provided below, along with the required semitone movements.

Target Tuning Notes:

• 6th String (Low E): D2
• 5th String (A): G2
• 4th String (D): D3
• 3rd String (G): G3
• 2nd String (B): B3
• 1st String (High E): C4

How to Tune from E Standard:

Please exercise caution, especially when tuning strings up or down by more than a couple of semitones, as this can affect string tension and potentially damage lighter gauge strings or your instrument. When exceeding a movement of 4 semitones (up or down), a different gauge string is generally advised.

• 6th String (Low E to D2): Tune down 2 semitones to D2. This is a common drop tuning adjustment.
• 5th String (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones to G2. This is a significant drop but generally manageable for standard string gauges.
• 4th String (D to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G to G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B to B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (High E to C4): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. This is a substantial drop. While it falls within the 'take care' range, for sustained use or heavier playing, considering a slightly heavier gauge string for your high E (1st) string is advisable to maintain tension, improve intonation, and prevent premature breakage.

When tuning, always listen carefully and use a reliable tuner to ensure accuracy and prevent over-tightening or loosening strings excessively.