The Sebadoh Tuning, as documented for Lou Barlow's early Sebadoh recordings, is an unconventional and distinctively resonant tuning that significantly departs from standard EADGBe. It creates a unique harmonic landscape tailored for specific sonic textures.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning immediately presents a rich, somewhat dark, and often melancholic character due to its predominant use of minor intervals. The prominent repetition of D# (Eb) and G across various strings creates a dense, ringing quality, lending itself well to the indie rock and lo-fi aesthetics often associated with Sebadoh. It feels less like a general-purpose tuning and more like a carefully crafted setup for specific melodic lines, drones, and open-string interplay. The irregular string relationships would naturally lead a player to discover unique fingerings and chord shapes, fostering an experimental approach to the instrument.

Technical Analysis

• Open Notes: From low to high (String 6 to String 1), the tuning is D#3, G2, D#4, G3, C4, D#5.
• Intervals: Examining the intervals between open strings reveals a unique sequence of steps:
  
  • 6th (D#3) to 5th (G2): Minor Third (3 semitones)
  • 5th (G2) to 4th (D#4): Augmented Fifth (8 semitones)
  • 4th (D#4) to 3rd (G3): Minor Third (3 semitones)
  • 3rd (G3) to 2nd (C4): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
  • 2nd (C4) to 1st (D#5): Minor Third (3 semitones)
• Open Chord Voicing: The open strings collectively form a rich chord based on C, D# (Eb), and G. Specifically, it can be interpreted as a C minor chord (C-Eb-G), heavily emphasizing the Eb (D#) as the lowest note and also doubled on the 4th and 1st strings. This creates a full, resonant C minor sound—effectively a Cm/Eb (or Cm/D#) voicing—available without fretting any notes. The repeated minor thirds (D#-G, D#-G, C-D#) contribute to a distinctive harmonic foundation.
• Chordal Implications:
  
  • Easily Accessible Chords: The open tuning provides an immediate and powerful C minor chord. By barring across certain frets, one could explore parallel minor chords, though the irregular interval between the 5th and 4th strings (G to D#) will necessitate adapted fingerings.
  • Drone and Power Chord Potential: The multiple D# and G notes make this tuning excellent for creating sustained drones or unique power chord variations by combining open strings with fretted notes.
  • Unconventional Shapes: Standard guitar chord shapes will be largely inapplicable. Players are encouraged to experiment and discover new, unique voicings that leverage the specific open string relationships. The stable perfect fourth between G and C (strings 3 and 2) offers a strong anchor, while the minor thirds infuse a natural bluesy or melancholic feel into progressions.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Sebadoh Tuning

Begin with your guitar in standard EADGBe tuning. Please note that all string movements for this tuning are within a safe range (-2 to +1 semitones), thus a change in string gauge is generally not required.

• String 6 (Low E): From E3, Tune down 1 semitones to D#3.
• String 5 (A): From A2, Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): From D4, Tune up 1 semitones to D#4.
• String 3 (G): From G3, Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B): From B3, Tune up 1 semitones to C4.
• String 1 (High E): From E5, Tune down 1 semitones to D#5.