Tuning Analysis: Special Mathrock Tuning

This "Special Mathrock Tuning" lives up to its name, offering a distinctive and angular soundscape perfect for experimental and intricate compositions. The creator notes its past use in mathrock, which is evident in its departure from conventional harmony, favoring wide intervals and unexpected voicings.

Verbal Observations

At first glance, this tuning presents a fascinating blend of familiar anchors and stark divergences. The low E and A strings remain standard, providing a solid, traditional foundation. However, the mid-range strings take a dramatic turn. The 4th string's incredibly high F#4 creates a piercing, almost bell-like quality, contrasting sharply with the dropped D3 and A3 on the 3rd and 2nd strings. This setup discourages simple strumming of common open chords, instead encouraging intricate arpeggios, dissonant clusters, and angular melodic lines. It's a tuning designed to evoke tension, brightness, and rhythmic complexity, ideal for the signature stop-and-start dynamics and interlocking patterns found in mathrock.

Technical Analysis & Chordal Possibilities

The tuning is set to E2-A2-F4#-D3-A3-E4 (from low E to high E string).

• The 6th string (E2) and 5th string (A2) are kept at standard pitch, preserving a familiar bass register.
• The 4th string (F4#) is the most striking alteration. From a standard D3, this is an upward movement of 16 semitones (an octave and a major third). This extremely high pitch will likely produce a very tight, bright, and cutting tone. Due to the significant tension required for this pitch, a lighter gauge string is strongly recommended to prevent breakage and optimize playability.
• The 3rd string (D3) is tuned down 5 semitones from standard G3. This creates a deeper, more resonant middle voice.
• The 2nd string (A3) is tuned down 2 semitones from standard B3. This places it a perfect fifth above the 3rd string's D3.
• The 1st string (E4) remains at standard pitch, offering a familiar high-end voice for melodic phrases.

Open String Chords and Voicings:

• While the full open tuning E-A-F#-D-A-E doesn't form a conventional chord, it presents compelling harmonic clusters.
• A significant feature is the presence of an inverted D Major triad on the middle strings: A2 (5th string), F4# (4th string), and D3 (3rd string). This provides a bright, open D major chord with a strong, resonant character. The F4# D3 A3 (4th, 3rd, 2nd strings) also forms an open D Major triad, albeit with an F# root in that specific voicing, offering a chimey, higher octave flavor.
• The pairing of D3 and A3 on the 3rd and 2nd strings offers an immediate D5 power chord voicing, easily movable up the fretboard for various power chord applications.
• The standard low E and A strings provide excellent anchors for creating modal harmonies or drone effects against the more unusual middle strings.
• The overall tension and dissonance encourage single-note lines, tapped passages, and complex arpeggiations where the unique intervals can truly shine. This tuning is not for the faint of heart but rewards exploration with a distinct and modern sonic palette.

Notes Description

Here are the target notes for each string, from thickest to thinnest:

• 6th String (Low E): E2 - The familiar lowest note, providing a strong anchor.
• 5th String (A): A2 - Retains its standard pitch, reinforcing the bass foundation.
• 4th String (D): F4# - Tuned dramatically high, this F sharp sits significantly above its standard D pitch, delivering a very bright and piercing tone.
• 3rd String (G): D3 - Dropped notably from its standard G, this D creates a deeper, resonant middle voice.
• 2nd String (B): A3 - Tuned down slightly from its standard B, this A forms a harmonious perfect fifth with the 3rd string's D.
• 1st String (High E): E4 - This remains the standard highest note, offering a familiar range for melodies.

How to Tune

Follow these instructions carefully to achieve the "Special Mathrock Tuning". Remember to always tune slowly and cautiously, especially when increasing string tension.

• 6th String (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 4th String (F4#): Tune up 4 semitones. Caution: The target note F4# is exceptionally high for a standard 4th string (D string). While the tuning instruction is to move up 4 semitones, the final pitch F4# implies a significant increase in tension. As this movement is 4 semitones, a lighter gauge string might be advised to prevent breakage and ensure optimal playability. Exercise extreme care when tuning.
• 3rd String (D3): Tune down 5 semitones. Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial change (exceeding 4 semitones). A heavier gauge string might be advised to maintain optimal tension and playability.
• 2nd String (A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• 1st String (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).