Toe's Math Rock Tuning Analysis

This intriguing tuning, affectionately named "Toe's Math Rock" after its association with the genre, is designed to unlock unique sonic landscapes on the guitar. It's a highly idiosyncratic setup, blending dramatically dropped and significantly raised strings to create an open, angular, and harmonically rich sound. This configuration moves far beyond standard tuning, opening doors to unusual chord voicings, arpeggios, and melodic possibilities. The distinct intervals between the open strings facilitate unique rhythmic and harmonic textures often found in math rock.

Technical Breakdown

• Tuning Notes (Low to High): D#3, A#3, F#4, B3, G#4, E4.
• Compared to Standard EADGBe:
  • String 6 (Low E): Tuned down a minor second (-1 semitone) to D#3.
  • String 5 (A): Tuned up a minor second (+1 semitone) to A#3.
  • String 4 (D): Tuned up a major third (+4 semitones) to F#4.
  • String 3 (G): Tuned up a major third (+4 semitones) to B3.
  • String 2 (B): Tuned down a major third (-3 semitones) to G#4.
  • String 1 (High E): Remains at standard pitch (0 semitones) at E4.

Open Chords and Voicings

One of the most notable aspects of this tuning is the clear E Major triad formed by the open 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings (B3, G#4, E4), presenting as an inverted E major chord (B-E-G#). This provides an immediate and accessible major chord voicing, perfect for arpeggiated figures and melodic runs. When combined with the lower strings (D#3, A#3, F#4), the full open tuning creates a complex, extended harmony. While not a simple, common chord, it offers a rich and textured sound often used to build intricate and suspended voicings typical of math rock, allowing for both shimmering clean tones and cutting, articulate riffs.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Toe's Math Rock" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 1 semitone to A#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 4 semitones to F#4.
  Important Note: Tuning this string up by 4 semitones significantly increases tension. It is highly recommended to consider using a lighter gauge string to prevent breakage or potential damage to your guitar's neck.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 4 semitones to B3.
  Important Note: Tuning this string up by 4 semitones significantly increases tension. It is highly recommended to consider using a lighter gauge string to prevent breakage or potential damage to your guitar's neck.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 3 semitones to G#4.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remaining at E4.

The 6th string (low E) is tuned to D3#.

The 5th string (A) is tuned to A3#.

The 4th string (D) is tuned to F4#.

The 3rd string (G) is tuned to B3.

The 2nd string (B) is tuned to G4#.

The 1st string (high E) is tuned to E4.