Welcome to a detailed analysis of Panda Bear's Monologue Tuning, as featured in his evocative track 'Inner Monologue' from the album 'Buoys.' This non-standard tuning is a prime example of how alternative tunings can unlock unique sonic landscapes and creative possibilities on the guitar.

Verbal Analysis

Panda Bear's Monologue Tuning is an introspective and atmospheric setup, crafted to deliver a rich, slightly melancholic, and ethereal sound. It deliberately moves away from the familiarity of standard guitar voicings, encouraging the exploration of open, sustained textures and complex arpeggiations. The resulting sound is dense and resonant, with a mood that feels both grounded by its lower intervals and expansive through its higher, more open tones. It's a tuning that invites sonic experimentation, perfect for ambient soundscapes, dreamy pop, or avant-garde compositions. The blend of major and minor qualities, coupled with significant string adjustments, creates a truly distinctive harmonic palette.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are **Eb3, Bb3, D3, G3, Bb4, C4**. This arrangement is highly unconventional and doesn't conform to a simple open major, minor, or dominant chord. The unique combination of notes (C, D, Eb, G, Bb) forms a rich, five-note cluster that is harmonically complex.

Open String Chords & Intervals

• The lowest three strings (Eb3, Bb3, D3) create a robust, resonant foundation. Harmonically, this could be interpreted as a Bb major triad in its first inversion (D-Bb-Eb) or the root, fifth, and major seventh of an Eb major 7 chord.
• Considering all six open strings, the notes (Eb, Bb, D, G, Bb, C) suggest a sophisticated harmonic structure. If interpreted with Eb as the root, it hints at an Ebmaj13 (Eb-G-Bb-D-C, missing the 9th and 11th). Alternatively, viewing C as the root, it forms a Cminor11 chord (C-Eb-G-Bb-D).
• The interval relationships between adjacent strings are particularly interesting:
  • String 6 (Eb3) to String 5 (Bb3): Perfect 5th (P5)
  • String 5 (Bb3) to String 4 (D3): Major 3rd (M3)
  • String 4 (D3) to String 3 (G3): Perfect 4th (P4)
  • String 3 (G3) to String 2 (Bb4): Minor 3rd + Octave (m3 + 8va)
  • String 2 (Bb4) to String 1 (C4): Major 2nd (M2)

Accessible Chords

• This tuning is not optimized for easy strumming of standard major or minor chords, but rather for open, sustained voicings and intricate arpeggios.
• Open voicings will frequently feature the strong Eb and Bb interval on the lower strings, providing a clear tonal center.
• Chords with a prominent Eb major (Eb-G-Bb) or Bb major (Bb-D-F, with F fretted) feel will naturally emerge and sound resonant.
• The inclusion of D alongside Eb and Bb allows for interesting major 7th extensions and adds a sophisticated flavor.
• Barring across various frets can quickly reveal complex, modern jazz, or ambient chords, often imbued with a moody or expansive quality due to the specific open string intervals, especially the Bb and C on the higher strings.

The open string notes for this tuning are as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): D#3 (Eb3)
• String 5 (A): A#3 (Bb3)
• String 4 (D): D3
• String 3 (G): G3
• String 2 (B): A#4 (Bb4)
• String 1 (High E): C4

How to Tune

To achieve Panda Bear's Monologue Tuning from standard EADGBe (E3, A3, D3, G3, B4, E4), follow these specific string movements:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone from E3 to D#3 (Eb3).
• String 5 (A): Tune up 1 semitone from A3 to A#3 (Bb3).
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 1 semitone from B4 to A#4 (Bb4).
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones from E4 to C4.

Important Note on String Gauge: When tuning strings significantly up or down (generally more than 4 semitones), it can put considerable stress on your guitar's neck and bridge, and increase the risk of string breakage. For the 1st string (High E) which is tuned down 4 semitones, it may feel a bit looser than usual. If you plan to use this tuning for an extended period, or if you notice any issues with intonation or playability due to the tension change, it is advisable to consider using a different string gauge set to optimize the tuning's performance and ensure your guitar's health.