The Serpent's Embrace Tuning, originally known as "Cobra Tuning" and devised by the distinctive outsider musician Josh Saunders (also known as Gothic King Cobra), offers a unique sonic landscape for the adventurous guitarist. This tuning deviates subtly yet significantly from standard EADGBe, creating a rich, somewhat darker, and melodically distinct palette. It invites players to explore unconventional harmonies and resonant open voicings, echoing the inventive spirit of its creator. You can hear this tuning in action at 40:44 in this video.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets your guitar strings to the following notes, from lowest to highest:

• 6th String: D♯2
• 5th String: A♯2
• 4th String: D♯3
• 3rd String: F♯3
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: D♯4

Analyzing the intervals between the open strings reveals a unique structure:

• Between 6th (D♯2) and 5th (A♯2): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• Between 5th (A♯2) and 4th (D♯3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• Between 4th (D♯3) and 3rd (F♯3): Minor 3rd (3 semitones)
• Between 3rd (F♯3) and 2nd (B3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• Between 2nd (B3) and 1st (D♯4): Minor 3rd (3 semitones)

The open strings D♯2, A♯2, D♯3, F♯3, B3, D♯4 collectively form a D♯ minor 6th chord (D♯ - F♯ - A♯ - B). This inherent voicing suggests a melancholic yet intriguing harmonic foundation, allowing for rich, full-bodied open chord voicings with minimal effort. The prominent D♯ power chord across the lowest three strings (D♯2, A♯2, D♯3) provides a solid, heavy root for riffs and drones. Players will find that traditional chord shapes require significant re-learning due to the altered intervals, but this opens up new possibilities for unique arpeggios and melodic phrases, particularly benefiting from the two minor 3rd intervals that are present.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the Serpent's Embrace Tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone from E2 to D♯2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 1 semitone from A2 to A♯2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 1 semitone from D3 to D♯3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone from G3 to F♯3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3 to B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 1 semitone from E4 to D♯4.

All string movements in this tuning are within a narrow range of -1 to +1 semitones. These minor adjustments are generally safe for standard gauge strings. However, as a general rule, for tunings that exceed -4 or +4 semitones for any string, it is advisable to consider using a different gauge string to maintain optimal tension and prevent potential damage.

6th String: D♯2

5th String: A♯2

4th String: D♯3

3rd String: F♯3

2nd String: B3

1st String: D♯4