Verbal Analysis

This unique tuning, known as "Taking Off OOR ACCOUSTIC," is specifically tailored for playing the song "Taking Off" by ONE OK ROCK. It departs significantly from standard guitar tuning, creating a distinctive sonic landscape that hints at the aggressive yet melodic style often found in modern rock. The arrangement of notes suggests a dark, resonant character, likely chosen to perfectly match the harmonic and melodic requirements of the song. Players can expect a powerful, full sound, especially when strumming open chords, providing a strong foundation for the track.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are D#3, A#3, F#4, C#4, G#4, and C#5 (from the lowest E string to the highest E string). This tuning does not align with any common open chord shapes like Open D or Open G, indicating a custom-built tonal palette tailored for specific musical passages.

Analyzing the intervals from the lowest string (D#3):

• String 6 (D#3) to String 5 (A#3): A Perfect 5th (7 semitones). This provides a strong bass foundation, ideal for power chords.
• String 5 (A#3) to String 4 (F#4): An Augmented 5th (8 semitones), spanning into the next octave.
• String 4 (F#4) to String 3 (C#4): C#4 is 5 semitones below F#4, creating a descending Perfect 4th.
• String 3 (C#4) to String 2 (G#4): A Perfect 5th (7 semitones), reinforcing the power chord capabilities.
• String 2 (G#4) to String 1 (C#5): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones).

The collective open string notes D#, A#, F#, C#, G#, C# are derived from the D# minor scale (D#, E#, F#, G#, A#, B#, C#). Specifically, the open strings contain D# (root), F# (minor 3rd), A# (perfect 5th), C# (minor 7th), and G# (perfect 4th/11th). This makes a D# minor 7 chord (D# F# A# C#) readily available simply by strumming the appropriate open strings. The G# note also allows for D# suspended 4th voicings or adds an 11th to the D# minor chord, creating a rich harmonic texture.

The presence of multiple C# notes (on String 3 and String 1) creates an octave, allowing for resonant open drone tones. This tuning is particularly conducive to playing in the key of D# minor, offering full voicings with minimal fretting, ideal for powerful chord progressions and melodic lines within that key.

Current Tuning Notes

The guitar is tuned to the following notes, from the lowest (thickest) string to the highest (thinnest) string:

• String 6: D3#
• String 5: A3#
• String 4: F4#
• String 3: C4#
• String 2: G4#
• String 1: C5#

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "Taking Off OOR ACCOUSTIC" tuning, adjust your guitar strings according to the following instructions. These instructions describe the movement needed for each string to reach its target note, typically from a standard EADGBe tuning.

• String 6 (Low E String): Tune down 1 semitones to reach D#3.
• String 5 (A String): Tune up 1 semitones to reach A#3.
• String 4 (D String): Tune up 4 semitones to reach F#4. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant adjustment. Ensure your guitar's neck can handle the increased tension. For prolonged use, a different string gauge might be advisable.
• String 3 (G String): Tune down 6 semitones to reach C#4. Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones (a perfect 4th) will drastically reduce string tension. Consider using a heavier gauge string to maintain playability and intonation.
• String 2 (B String): Tune down 3 semitones to reach G#4.
• String 1 (High E String): Tune down 3 semitones to reach C#5.

Always tune carefully and progressively to avoid breaking strings or damaging your instrument.