Tuning: Open G6 (Superunknown Variation)

This unique tuning, explicitly named "Open G6" in the provided data, is famously associated with Soundgarden's "Superunknown." It's a highly idiosyncratic tuning that creates a powerful and distinctive sonic landscape.

Verbal Analysis:

While bearing the name "Open G6," this particular configuration of D-G-D-G-D-E significantly deviates from traditional Open G or G6 tunings, crafting a sound tailor-made for specific musical contexts. The open strum yields a rich, resonant sonority that is neither a clear major nor minor chord. It features a strong D drone across multiple strings, augmented by perfect fourths (G) and a striking major second (E) on the highest string. This creates a sound that is expansive and ringing, yet imbued with an inherent tension and a slight dissonance that contributes to the heavy, atmospheric quality often found in Soundgarden's work. This tuning excels at producing massive, sustained chords, and lends itself perfectly to heavy riffs with droning bass notes, offering unique harmonic possibilities that would be difficult to achieve in standard tunings. It's a tuning built for power, sustain, and an unmistakable sonic character.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to D2 G2 D3 G3 D4 E4 (from low E string to high E string).

• The tuning establishes a profound D pedal tone, with the 6th, 4th, and 2nd strings all tuned to D (D2, D3, D4).
• The 5th and 3rd strings are tuned to G (G2, G3), creating perfect fourth intervals with their lower D string counterparts.
• When strummed open, the combination of notes is D, E, and G. This can be technically described as a Dsus2sus4 chord (D-E-G), or interpreted as a G major triad (G-B-D) with an added D and E, creating a complex, open voicing without a clear major or minor quality.
• The interval structure between adjacent strings is as follows:
  • 6th (D2) to 5th (G2): Perfect 4th
  • 5th (G2) to 4th (D3): Perfect 5th
  • 4th (D3) to 3rd (G3): Perfect 4th
  • 3rd (G3) to 2nd (D4): Perfect 5th
  • 2nd (D4) to 1st (E4): Major 2nd
• This specific interval arrangement facilitates easy access to powerful, droning harmonies and unique chord voicings. Barring across any fret will produce a movable Dsus2sus4-like chord shape, allowing for dynamic and unconventional chord progressions. The strong foundation of D and G on the lower strings is ideal for creating impactful, heavy riffs.

How to Tune:

To achieve the "Open G6 (Superunknown Variation)" tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these precise adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from D3 to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G3 to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 3 semitones from B3 to D4. (Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones significantly increases string tension. It is advisable to proceed carefully and consider using a lighter gauge string if this tuning is to be used frequently or for extended periods to avoid potential string breakage or neck stress.)
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4 to E4.

Note on String Gauges: For changes exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), a different string gauge is generally recommended to ensure optimal playability, prevent string breakage, and maintain proper neck relief. The 2nd string's adjustment of 3 semitones up is at the upper limit of what is generally advised without a gauge change; therefore, exercise particular caution during this adjustment.

6th String: D2
5th String: G2
4th String: D3
3rd String: G3
2nd String: D4
1st String: E4