This unique guitar tuning, often attributed to the band TTNG and sometimes referred to as "Pig" (from the tuning name provided), presents a highly unconventional and intricate soundscape. It is designed for specific melodic and textural purposes, deviating significantly from standard tuning to open up possibilities for distinct voicings and progressive guitar work, characteristic of the band's style.

Technical Analysis:

• The tuning consists of the notes: D#3, A#3, G3, D#4, G#4, F4 from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string.
• A notable feature is the octave spread of D# (D#3 on the 6th string and D#4 on the 3rd string). This arrangement facilitates drone effects, powerful octave riffs, or harmonic resonance across different registers.
• The presence of G3 (4th string) and G#4 (2nd string) creates a semitone interval (a minor second) across two distinct strings. This close proximity suggests an intentional design for expressive dissonances, suspensions, or quick, biting melodic lines, which are hallmarks of math-rock and experimental genres.
• The intervals between adjacent strings are highly varied, indicating that the tuning is not built around a simple, readily strummed open chord, but rather for specific intervallic relationships and fingerings:
  • 6th to 5th string (D#3 to A#3): Perfect 5th
  • 5th to 4th string (A#3 to G3): Minor 3rd (descending)
  • 4th to 3rd string (G3 to D#4): Augmented 4th / Tritone (ascending)
  • 3rd to 2nd string (D#4 to G#4): Perfect 4th
  • 2nd to 1st string (G#4 to F4): Minor 3rd (descending)
• This diverse set of intervals implies that the tuning is specifically crafted to facilitate unique melodic patterns and harmonic voicings that might be challenging or impossible to achieve in standard tunings.

Open Chords and Reachable Voicings:

While not an open chord tuning in the traditional sense, a closer examination reveals interesting harmonic possibilities and shapes:

• The lowest three strings (6th, 5th, 4th) are tuned to D#3, A#3, and G3. When these notes are considered in order (D#, G, A#), they form a D# Major triad. This means that chords or arpeggios rooted on D# Major can be explored with a strong, resonant foundation, utilizing these open strings.
• The repeated D# notes (6th and 3rd strings) at an octave apart create a natural drone or anchor for melodies and chords, providing a consistent root for harmonic exploration.
• The tight cluster of D#4 (3rd string), G#4 (2nd string), and F4 (1st string) on the higher strings allows for complex, dissonant voicings or close-interval arpeggios that are often difficult to finger in standard tunings. The minor second interval between D# and F (via G# in between) suggests a focus on rich, often suspended or biting harmonic textures.
• Overall, this tuning encourages a non-conventional approach to chord construction, favoring intricate fingerings and unique intervallic relationships over broad, open strumming. It is highly suitable for players looking to expand their sonic palette with distinct harmonic textures and complex melodic lines.

How to Tune:

To achieve this distinctive D# A# G D# G# F tuning, adjust each string to its target note according to the following movements from its current pitch. Please exercise caution, especially with larger pitch changes, and consider string gauge recommendations:

• 6th String (D#3): Tune down 1 semitone.
• 5th String (A#3): Tune up 1 semitone.
• 4th String (G3): Tune up 5 semitones. Note: Tuning up by 5 semitones is a significant increase in tension. It is highly recommended to use a different (specifically, heavier) gauge string for the 4th string to prevent breakage and maintain optimal string tension and tone.
• 3rd String (D#4): Tune down 4 semitones.
• 2nd String (G#4): Tune down 3 semitones.
• 1st String (F4): Tune up 1 semitone.

The notes for this tuning are as follows, listed from the thickest (6th) string to the thinnest (1st) string:

6th String: D#3

5th String: A#3

4th String: G3

3rd String: D#4

2nd String: G#4

1st String: F4