Tuning Overview: D# A# F# C# G# C#

This incredibly deep and aggressive tuning, described as one found on Songsterr for a Deftones song, is a prime example of the innovative and heavy tunings favored by alternative metal bands. It provides a dense, low-end foundation perfect for crushing riffs, atmospheric textures, and a truly distinctive sonic palette.

Verbal Analysis

The overall character of this tuning is remarkably dark, thick, and resonant. With the lowest string reaching D#3, it descends significantly below standard E tuning, delivering a formidable and rumbling bottom end. The arrangement of notes, particularly the repeated C# notes on the 3rd and 1st strings, combined with the G# on the 2nd string, firmly establishes a strong C# tonal center. This tuning deviates from conventional open chord structures, instead promoting the exploration of powerful, percussive power chords, single-note lead lines, and droning open strings to create tension and release. It's an ideal tuning for instrumental pieces or vocal accompaniments demanding weight, sustain, and a modern heavy aesthetic.

Technical Analysis

The tuning notes from low to high are: D#3 A#3 F#3 C#4 G#4 C#5. Let's examine the intervals between each string:

• 6th String (D#3) to 5th String (A#3): Perfect 5th (+7 semitones)
• 5th String (A#3) to 4th String (F#3): Diminished 5th / Tritone (-6 semitones, or +6 semitones ascending)
• 4th String (F#3) to 3rd String (C#4): Perfect 5th (+7 semitones)
• 3rd String (C#4) to 2nd String (G#4): Perfect 5th (+7 semitones)
• 2nd String (G#4) to 1st String (C#5): Perfect 4th (+5 semitones)

This intricate and custom interval structure is a significant departure from standard EADGBe tuning. It does not conform to traditional 'open chord' tunings (e.g., Open G or Open D), meaning a simple strum across all open strings will produce a dense and complex sonority rather than a straightforward major or minor chord.

Open & Reachable Chords

• Open C#5 Power Chord: A key feature of this tuning is the natural C#5 power chord formed by the 3rd (C#4), 2nd (G#4), and 1st (C#5) open strings. This provides an immediate, heavy, and resonant sonic anchor, ideal for sustained chords and driving riffs.
• Effortless Power Chords: The perfect fifth interval between the 6th (D#) and 5th (A#) strings allows for quick and easy two-string power chords by simply barring these strings at any fret. Similarly, the series of perfect fifths between the 4th (F#), 3rd (C#), and 2nd (G#) strings enables the creation of powerful three or four-string power chords with minimal effort, by barring across those frets.
• Droning Potential: The repeated C# notes and the overall low pitch of the tuning make it highly suitable for droning riffs and atmospheric textures, especially when combining the open low strings with higher melodic lines.
• Unique Voicings: While standard chord shapes will be dramatically altered and often unusable, the distinct intervals present a fresh canvas for discovering new, heavy voicings and dissonant clusters frequently utilized in modern metal and progressive genres.

How to Tune: D# A# F# C# G# C#

To achieve the Deftones C# Aggro Tuning from standard E Standard (E A D G B E) tuning, follow these specific string adjustments. Please pay close attention to the significant downward adjustments on several strings, which may necessitate a heavier gauge string set for optimal tension, intonation, and tone, as light strings can become very slack and difficult to play.

• 6th String (Low E to D#3): Tune down 1 semitones.
• 5th String (A to A#3): Tune up 1 semitones.
• 4th String (D to F#3): Tune down 8 semitones. Caution: This is a very significant drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension, playability, and intonation.
• 3rd String (G to C#4): Tune down 6 semitones. Caution: This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension, playability, and intonation.
• 2nd String (B to G#4): Tune down 3 semitones.
• 1st String (High E to C#5): Tune down 3 semitones.

Always tune carefully and incrementally, using a reliable tuner, to avoid snapping strings, especially when performing large adjustments. Allow your guitar to adjust to the new tension over a short period before fine-tuning.