Verbal Analysis

The "Product of Neglect Tuning" is a formidable 9-string guitar tuning, famously utilized by the band Product of Neglect as one of their signature tunings. This configuration is engineered for an exceptionally heavy and intricate soundscape, characterized by significant tension increases across most strings and a dramatic pitch drop on the highest string. It's not a tuning for the faint of heart or traditionalists; rather, it carves out a niche for massive, resonant low-end power, complex harmonic layering, and a distinctive sonic character. It excels in genres demanding extreme heaviness, progressive textures, and avant-garde sound design, pushing the boundaries of what a 9-string can achieve. The open string configuration doesn't lend itself to conventional open chords but instead encourages the exploration of dissonant power chords, rich suspended voicings, and extended harmonies that feel refreshingly alien compared to standard tunings. For players accustomed to traditional intervals, this tuning will require a complete re-thinking of the fretboard, opening up new creative pathways.

Technical Analysis

This 9-string tuning settles on the following open notes from lowest to highest: D2#, G2#, D3#, G3#, C4#, F4#, A4#, D5#, F4#.

• Harmonic Structure: The lowest four strings (D2#, G2#, D3#, G3#) form a robust, octave-reinforced D# power chord (D#-G#-D#-G#), providing an incredibly thick and foundational low end. Progressing upwards, the notes C4#, F4#, A4#, D5#, F4# offer a blend of perfect fourths (C#-F#, A#-D#) and minor/major third intervals (D#-F# and F#-A#). The full set of open notes contains D#, F#, G#, A#, C#. This collection can be interpreted as a D# minor 7 (D# F# A# C#) with an added G# (an 11th), creating a dark, expansive, and technically rich harmonic palette for open-string voicings. The top three strings, A4#, D5#, F4#, notably form an A# minor triad, offering a more familiar chord shape within an otherwise adventurous tuning. This allows for interesting interplay between the heavy low end and more melodic high-string voicings.
• String Movements & Gauge Recommendations: This tuning demands significant adjustments from a standard setup. Numerous strings are tuned up considerably: strings 7, 6, 5, 4, and 2 are all tuned up by 4 semitones; string 3 is tuned up by 3 semitones; and strings 9 and 8 are tuned up by 2 semitones. Such substantial upward tuning dramatically increases string tension, necessitating careful consideration of string gauge. For strings tuned up by 3 or 4 semitones, it is highly recommended to use a lighter gauge string than usual to prevent excessive tension, potential string breakage, and undue stress on the guitar's neck. Conversely, the highest string (string 1) is drastically tuned down by 10 semitones. This extreme drop in pitch will almost certainly require a significantly heavier gauge string to maintain playable tension, intonation, and clarity at the target F4# note. Without appropriate string gauge adjustments, players risk poor intonation, buzzing, or even damage to the instrument.

How to Tune 'Product of Neglect Tuning'

Please proceed with caution, especially for strings requiring large semitone adjustments. Consider using appropriate string gauges to maintain optimal tension and prevent damage to your instrument or strings.

• String 9 (Lowest): Tune to D2# (Tune up 2 semitones).
• String 8: Tune to G2# (Tune up 2 semitones).
• String 7: Tune to D3# (Tune up 4 semitones). (Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is significant. A lighter gauge string is advised to prevent excessive tension.)
• String 6: Tune to G3# (Tune up 4 semitones). (Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is significant. A lighter gauge string is advised to prevent excessive tension.)
• String 5: Tune to C4# (Tune up 4 semitones). (Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is significant. A lighter gauge string is advised to prevent excessive tension.)
• String 4: Tune to F4# (Tune up 4 semitones). (Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is significant. A lighter gauge string is advised to prevent excessive tension.)
• String 3: Tune to A4# (Tune up 3 semitones). (Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones is notable. Consider a lighter gauge string to manage tension.)
• String 2: Tune to D5# (Tune up 4 semitones). (Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is significant. A lighter gauge string is advised to prevent excessive tension.)
• String 1 (Highest): Tune to F4# (Tune down 10 semitones). (Extreme Caution: Tuning down 10 semitones is a very drastic change. A significantly heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain playable tension, intonation, and clarity at this lower pitch.)