Verbal Analysis of TTNG Baboon Tuning

The 'TTNG Baboon' tuning is an extraordinarily unconventional and highly experimental setup, characteristic of TTNG's intricate math rock style. As the description notes, it necessitates the use of two capos, hinting at a complex arrangement far beyond standard open string playing. This tuning involves drastic alterations to string tension across the board, with some strings significantly detuned and others tensioned considerably higher. This creates a challenging but rewarding soundscape, designed for precise melodic lines, tapping, and intricate arpeggiated figures rather than simple strummed chords. The tuning will offer a unique, often dissonant, yet ultimately highly expressive and intricate tonal palette, allowing for very specific voicings and textures.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning, from low to high, are: D3#, G3#, F3, C3, F3, G5#. This arrangement is far removed from standard guitar tuning and creates a distinct intervallic structure:

• The lowest two strings (D3# and G3#) form a perfect fourth.
• The middle strings (F3, C3, F3 on strings 4, 3, 2 respectively) create a very interesting cluster. The interval from F3 to C3 is a perfect fourth, and from C3 to F3 is also a perfect fourth (or an octave relative to the fourth string). This 'fourth-heavy' grouping on the D, G, and B strings creates a strong sense of quartal harmony.
• The highest string, G5#, stands out significantly, being more than two octaves above the lowest string and an octave above what would be a standard G4. This extreme high pitch likely provides a shimmering, bell-like quality, ideal for arpeggios, harmonics, or as a drone.

The tuning does not readily form a simple, traditional major or minor triad when strummed open, suggesting its primary use is for specific melodic and harmonic movements crafted by TTNG. The F3-C3-F3 core provides a resonant F power chord or Fsus2 fragment, which can be elaborated upon with the surrounding strings.

Potential Chords and Voicings

While not designed for easy open chord strumming, the tuning lends itself to:

• Quartal Voicings: The perfect fourths between the low D#-G# and the F-C-F cluster strongly suggest the exploration of quartal harmony, common in jazz and modern music.
• F-based Voicings: The F3-C3-F3 on strings 4, 3, and 2 immediately forms an Fsus2 or F power chord. Fretting around this shape could yield interesting F major, F minor, or Fsus variations.
• Drone/Pedal Tones: The open strings, particularly the low D3# and high G5#, can act as compelling drone notes around which melodies and harmonies are built.
• Arpeggiated Textures: The wide intervallic jumps, especially to the high G5#, are perfect for creating shimmering, almost harp-like arpeggios, a hallmark of math rock.

How to Tune Your Guitar to TTNG Baboon

Please be extremely careful when adjusting string tension, especially with large movements. Always tune slowly.

• String 6 (Low E String): Tune down 1 semitone to reach D3#. This is a minor, safe adjustment.
• String 5 (A String): Tune down 1 semitone to reach G3#. This is a minor, safe adjustment.
• String 4 (D String): Tune up 3 semitones to reach F3. This is a moderate adjustment; proceed with care.
• String 3 (G String): Tune down 7 semitones to reach C3. Warning: This is a significant drop in tension. A lighter gauge string is strongly advised to prevent floppiness, ensure accurate intonation, and maintain playability.
• String 2 (B String): Tune down 6 semitones to reach F3. Warning: This is a significant drop in tension. A lighter gauge string is strongly advised to prevent floppiness, ensure accurate intonation, and maintain playability.
• String 1 (High E String): Tune up 4 semitones to reach G5#. Caution: This is a considerable increase in tension. Tune slowly and carefully. While not strictly outside the 'advised new gauge' range (which applies for movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down), a heavier gauge string might be considered if you plan to keep this tuning for extended periods, or if your guitar is particularly sensitive to tension changes. Always ensure your guitar neck is adjusted correctly for such tension shifts.