Tuning Analysis: The Feels

The "The Feels" tuning, as described by its use in Into it. Over it.'s track "No Amount of Sound," is a highly experimental and emotionally evocative altered guitar tuning. It diverges significantly from standard EADGBe, creating a soundscape rich with unique harmonic possibilities and a characteristic tension often found in emo and math-rock genres. The substantial downward tuning across most strings results in a slacker string feel and contributes to a darker, more substantial tonal quality, perfect for impactful riffs or ambient textures.

Technical Observations

This is a non-standard 6-string guitar tuning with the open strings set to the following pitches, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string:

• 6th String: D3#
• 5th String: G3#
• 4th String: C4#
• 3rd String: F3
• 2nd String: F4#
• 1st String: G4#

A striking feature of "The Feels" is its non-sequential pitch arrangement. Notably, the 3rd string (F3) is tuned lower than both the 4th string (C4#) and the 5th string (G3#). This creates a unique intervallic structure that challenges traditional chord shapes and opens doors to fresh voicings and melodic patterns.

Open String Intervals (Adjacent Strings):

• 6th (D3#) to 5th (G3#): Perfect 4th (+5 semitones)
• 5th (G3#) to 4th (C4#): Perfect 4th (+5 semitones)
• 4th (C4#) to 3rd (F3): A large descent of 7 semitones (F3 is a diminished 5th below C4#)
• 3rd (F3) to 2nd (F4#): An octave plus a minor 2nd (+13 semitones)
• 2nd (F4#) to 1st (G4#): Major 2nd (+2 semitones)

Chordal and Voicing Opportunities:

• Playing all open strings simultaneously results in a dense and somewhat dissonant cluster (D#3, F3, G#3, C#4, F#4, G4#). This suggests the tuning is optimized not for conventional strumming, but for intricate arpeggios, specific riffing, or ambient textures where individual notes or selective groupings are emphasized.
• A beautiful and more resolved open chord emerges from the upper strings: G#3, C#4, F#4, G#4 (strings 5, 4, 2, 1) forms a G#sus4 chord. This provides a clear, resonant voicing that can serve as a harmonic anchor or a basis for melodic development.
• The close proximity of D#3 (6th string) and F3 (3rd string) creates a potent minor 2nd interval that can be leveraged for powerful, dissonant low-end riffs or rhythmic chugging, adding significant tension and weight to the sound.
• The substantial downward shift for several strings, particularly the 1st string (down 8 semitones) and 2nd string (down 5 semitones), implies significantly reduced string tension. This can facilitate deep bends and wide vibrato, but may also require adjusting string gauge for optimal playability and intonation, especially for the higher strings.

How to Tune 'The Feels'

To achieve the 'The Feels' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string-by-string instructions. Pay close attention to the semitone movements, and consider string gauge recommendations for significant pitch changes:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone to D3#.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone to G3#.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C4#.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 5 semitones to F4#. Caution: This is a significant drop. Consider using a heavier gauge string to maintain adequate tension and tone, as the string may feel very slack otherwise.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 8 semitones to G4#. Caution: This is a very substantial drop, almost an entire octave. A much heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string to prevent excessive floppiness, ensure proper intonation, and maintain playability.

Remember to check your intonation after changing tunings, especially with such large semitone adjustments.