The "Invent Animate Absence Persistent D#4ths Stack" is a highly distinctive 7-string guitar tuning, specifically crafted for the band Invent Animate's track "Absence Persistent." This tuning presents a unique blend of crushing low-end power and stark, experimental voicings, setting it apart from conventional drop tunings.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, this tuning provides an incredibly heavy and resonant foundation, with the bottom five strings (7th to 3rd) tuned in a consistent stack of perfect fourths. This creates a dense, powerful low register, ideal for djent, progressive metal, and atmospheric chugging riffs that Invent Animate is known for. The uniform interval spacing allows for easily shifting power chords and a very percussive, articulate attack.

However, the true character of this tuning emerges in its upper register. The transition from the 3rd string (C#4) to the 2nd string (F3) involves a significant drop, creating a dissonant descending minor sixth interval. This unexpected 'chasm' profoundly impacts chord voicings, moving away from standard shapes and forcing the player into more abstract or dissonant harmonic territories. Following this, the 1st string (A#4) jumps dramatically with a major eleventh interval from the 2nd string, creating a wide melodic space. This unique setup encourages unconventional lead lines, dissonant arpeggios, and textures that can sound both haunting and aggressive, contributing to the band's signature sound of emotional intensity and technical precision.

Technical Analysis

• Open String Notes: D#2, G#2, D#3, G#3, C#4, F3, A#4 (from lowest to highest string).
• Interval Structure:
  • String 7 to String 6 (D#2 to G#2): Perfect 4th
  • String 6 to String 5 (G#2 to D#3): Perfect 4th
  • String 5 to String 4 (D#3 to G#3): Perfect 4th
  • String 4 to String 3 (G#3 to C#4): Perfect 4th
  • String 3 to String 2 (C#4 to F3): Descending Minor 6th (8 semitones down)
  • String 2 to String 1 (F3 to A#4): Ascending Major 11th (17 semitones up)
• Chordal Possibilities:
  • The bottom five strings (D#2 G#2 D#3 G#3 C#4) are ideal for powerful, low-register chords. For example, striking strings 7, 6, and 5 yields a thick D#5 power chord (D#-G#-D#). Similarly, strings 6, 5, and 4 yield a G#5 power chord (G#-D#-G#). The consistent P4 spacing makes moving these shapes across the fretboard very intuitive for heavy riffing.
  • The full open tuning (D#2 G#2 D#3 G#3 C#4 F3 A#4) creates a rich, dissonant cluster of notes (D#, F, G#, A#, C#). This is not a conventional functional chord but rather a complex voicing, often implying a tension-filled atmosphere suitable for ambient textures or atonal sections rather than standard harmony. The C#-F interval is particularly stark, lending itself to tension and release.
  • The wide interval between F3 and A#4 on the top two strings allows for significant melodic leaps or open, airy harmonies that contrast with the dense low end, providing an expansive feel for lead work or arpeggios.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Invent Animate Absence Persistent D#4ths Stack" tuning, carefully adjust each string as follows:

• 7th String (Lowest): Tune down 8 semitones to D#2. (Caution: Tuning down 8 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension and tone.)
• 6th String: Tune down 8 semitones to G#2. (Caution: Tuning down 8 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension and tone.)
• 5th String: Tune down 6 semitones to D#3. (Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension and tone.)
• 4th String: Tune down 6 semitones to G#3. (Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension and tone.)
• 3rd String: Tune down 6 semitones to C#4. (Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension and tone.)
• 2nd String: Tune down 6 semitones to F3. (Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension and tone.)
• 1st String (Highest): Tune down 6 semitones to A#4. (Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tension and tone.)

7th String: D#2

6th String: G#2

5th String: D#3

4th String: G#3

3rd String: C#4

2nd String: F3

1st String: A#4