The "hammy" tuning is a unique and highly unconventional setup for the guitar, specifically noted as the tuning for the song "Cut My Losses" by Heart Attack Man. This tuning diverges significantly from standard guitar voicings, creating a sonic landscape that is likely dark, expansive, and potentially dissonant when played openly.

Technical Analysis

This tuning features a range of intervals that are far from typical, contributing to its distinctive character:

• The lowest three strings (6th, 5th, 4th) are tuned to D#3, G#3, and C#4 respectively, forming a stack of perfect fourths (D#3-G#3 and G#3-C#4). This provides a foundational strength and clarity, common in drop tunings or lower register power chords.
• A striking feature of this tuning is the non-linear pitch progression. The 3rd string (E3) is tuned lower than the 4th string (C#4) by 9 semitones. This creates a significant downward jump in pitch between the 4th and 3rd strings, resulting in unexpected harmonic possibilities and making conventional chord shapes unplayable across these strings.
• Following this, the 2nd string (G#4) takes a massive leap up from the 3rd string (E3) by 15 semitones (a compound Major 3rd). This wide interval creates an almost harp-like spread between the middle strings.
• Finally, the 1st string (D4) is again tuned lower than the 2nd string (G#4) by 9 semitones. This means both the 3rd and 1st strings are tuned lower than their adjacent thicker strings.

The open strings (D#3, G#3, C#4, E3, G#4, D4) do not immediately form a standard major or minor chord. The presence of both D# (Eb) and D natural, as well as C# (Db) and E natural, suggests that this tuning leans towards specific dissonant voicings, suspended harmonies, or provides a framework for melodic lines and riffs that utilize these unique intervals. It's likely designed for particular fingerings to achieve the desired sound of "Cut My Losses," rather than for open strumming of common chords. The overall low tuning across all strings implies a heavy, resonant sound suitable for rock or metal genres.

How to Tune

To achieve the "hammy" tuning, start from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e) and adjust each string as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone from E3 to D#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone from A3 to G#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone from D4 to C#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G4 to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 3 semitones from B3 to G#4.
• 1st String (High e): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Important Note: All string movements are within 4 semitones, so a standard string gauge should generally be sufficient. However, always exercise care when adjusting string tension and ensure your guitar's intonation is checked after significant tuning changes.

The notes for the "hammy" tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st) string, are:

• 6th String: D3#
• 5th String: G3#
• 4th String: C4#
• 3rd String: E3
• 2nd String: G4#
• 1st String: D4