Tuning Analysis: TTNG Baboon

The "TTNG Baboon" tuning is a highly unconventional and experimental setup for the guitar, specifically designed for the track "Baboon" by TTNG. As noted in its description, this tuning necessitates the use of two capos, indicating that it's intended to be played in a very specific, non-standard position on the fretboard, likely creating unique harmonic voicings and melodic possibilities that wouldn't be achievable in standard tuning or even many open tunings.

Technical Breakdown:

The open string notes are:

• Low E String (6th): D2
• A String (5th): G#3
• D String (4th): F3
• G String (3rd): C3
• B String (2nd): F4
• High E String (1st): G#5

Analyzing the intervals from low to high:

• D2 to G#3: This is a significantly wide interval, spanning an octave and a Major 6th (20 semitones), creating a large jump in pitch between the lowest two strings.
• G#3 to F3: A downward Minor 3rd (3 semitones down). This creates a somewhat dissonant and "tight" interval directly adjacent to the large jump from the 6th string.
• F3 to C3: A Perfect 5th down (7 semitones down), adding another descending interval.
• C3 to F4: A Perfect 4th up, but an octave higher (17 semitones), bringing the pitch up significantly again.
• F4 to G#5: A Major 3rd up, also an octave higher (16 semitones), resulting in a high, bright top end.

The resulting open string collection of notes (D, G#, F, C, F, G#) is highly dissonant and non-diatonic, suggesting it's not designed for strumming conventional open chords. Instead, this tuning points towards a style that leverages specific intervals, individual string melodies, and possibly open string drones against fretted notes. The presence of octaves (F3/F4 and G#3/G#5) might be used for resonant sympathetic vibrations or for easy access to octave melodies. The wide and irregular intervals between strings are characteristic of math rock or progressive tunings, where unique harmonic textures and complex arpeggios are prioritized over standard chord voicings. The requirement for two capos further emphasizes the bespoke nature of this tuning, likely facilitating specific fingerings or shifting the entire tonal center of the guitar to an unusual range.

Potential Chords & Voicings:

While standard open chords are not readily apparent, the tuning offers interesting possibilities:

• F minor feel: The notes C, F, G# (Ab) are present, which are constituents of an F minor triad (F Ab C). This could imply an underlying F minor tonality, perhaps with D and the higher F/G# adding extensions or dissonances.
• Octave voicings: The presence of F at two different octaves (F3, F4) and G# at two different octaves (G#3, G#5) allows for rich, resonant octave playing across non-adjacent strings.
• Dissonant Arpeggios: The irregular intervals will naturally lead to unique and often dissonant arpeggiated figures, providing a distinct sonic signature.
• Capo-dependent shapes: Given the explicit mention of two capos, many "chord" shapes would likely emerge from the interaction of these open strings with the capo positions, creating entirely new sets of available notes and voicings at specific frets. Players will need to experiment to discover the intended voicings and melodic patterns.

How to Tune:

Please exercise caution when adjusting string tension, especially for significant changes. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, consider using a different string gauge to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to reach D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitones to reach G#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 3 semitones to reach F3. Take care when tuning up 3 semitones.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 7 semitones to reach C3. Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant drop. A different gauge string is advised for optimal tension.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 6 semitones to reach F4. Caution: Tuning up 6 semitones is a significant increase. A different gauge string is advised to prevent string breakage.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 4 semitones to reach G#5. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones requires care. A different gauge string might be advised for optimal tension and safety.

This tuning requires precise adjustments and an understanding of pitch, often best achieved with a chromatic tuner.

Remember, the unique qualities of this tuning, combined with the use of two capos, are intended to unlock very specific sonic textures for the piece "Baboon" by TTNG.

Disclaimer: Always tune your guitar carefully. Excessive tension changes can damage strings or the instrument.

The open string notes for this tuning, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string, are:

6th String: D2
5th String: G#3
4th String: F3
3rd String: C3
2nd String: F4
1st String: G#5