Tuning Analysis: I Only Said

This tuning, named after the My Bloody Valentine song "I Only Said" from their iconic album "Loveless," is a prime example of the innovative and atmospheric tunings often employed in shoegaze music. It creates a rich, resonant, and somewhat melancholic sound, perfectly suited for dense, layered textures and ethereal soundscapes. The distinctive open string voicings and specific dropped strings contribute to a unique harmonic foundation that encourages experimentation and the signature MBV wall-of-sound.

Technical Observations

The tuning for this instrument is: E2-A2-B2-G3-G3-E4.

• The 6th string (low E) and 5th string (A) remain at standard pitch, providing a familiar and solid bass foundation.
• The 4th string is tuned down significantly from D3 to B2, a drop of 3 semitones.
• The 3rd string remains at standard G3.
• The 2nd string undergoes a substantial drop from B3 to G3, tuning down 4 semitones. This creates a unison with the 3rd string, resulting in a doubled G note.
• The 1st string (high E) remains at standard E4.

The open strings present the notes E, A, B, G, G, E. This can be interpreted as an Em(add4) or Em suspended 4th chord (E-G-B with an added A), providing a dreamy, slightly melancholic, and highly resonant starting point. The doubled G3 on the 2nd and 3rd strings is a defining feature, adding immense thickness and sustain to the sound, particularly when strummed openly or allowed to ring out as a drone.

Sonic Characteristics and Playability

The unison G notes (strings 2 and 3) are a central element, creating a powerful, ringing drone effect. This allows for rich harmonic textures to be built around this core. The presence of the root (E), minor third (G), and fifth (B) of an E minor chord, along with the suspended fourth (A), makes the open tuning both familiar in its minor tonality and unique due to the suspended quality and the doubled unison. Barre chords played across all strings will naturally transpose the Em(add4) shape, allowing for easy exploration of different minor tonalities with the same characteristic voicing. The wider intervals on the lower strings (E-A-B) provide a broad sonic landscape, while the closer, doubled interval (G-G) and the major 6th (G-E) on the higher strings offer distinct harmonic possibilities for melodies and sustained chords, ideal for creating the lush, ethereal sounds associated with My Bloody Valentine.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'I Only Said' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is E2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones. The target note is B2.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones. The target note is G3. Caution: A drop of 4 semitones is significant. If you frequently use this tuning, consider using a heavier gauge string for the 2nd string to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is E4.

6th String: E2 (Low E)

5th String: A2

4th String: B2

3rd String: G3

2nd String: G3

1st String: E4 (High E)