This unique guitar tuning, named E Vildhjarta, is described as having "Calle Thomer Vildhjarta den spanska kanslan" (Calle Thomer Vildhjarta the Spanish feeling). While the "Spanish feeling" often evokes traditional harmonic structures, the technical makeup of this tuning suggests a highly modern and aggressive sonic landscape, characteristic of experimental metal genres like djent. It combines very wide intervals with stacked perfect fourths, creating a versatile yet challenging foundation for creative expression.

Technical Analysis

The open tuning is configured as follows:

• String 6: E2 (Lowest string, standard E)
• String 5: C3
• String 4: F3
• String 3: A#4 (Bb4)
• String 2: D#5 (Eb5)
• String 1: G#5 (Ab5) (Highest string)

Analyzing the intervals between adjacent strings reveals a highly unconventional and wide-ranging design:

• E2 to C3: Minor 6th (8 semitones)
• C3 to F3: Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• F3 to A#4: An exceptionally wide interval of a Major 10th plus an augmented 4th (18 semitones), spanning an octave and a half. This is a dramatic jump in pitch.
• A#4 to D#5: Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• D#5 to G#5: Perfect 4th (5 semitones)

The open notes E, C, F, A#, D#, G# (or E, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab) form a complex cluster. The upper five strings (C, F, A#, D#, G# with the F-A# octave jump) largely consist of stacked perfect fourths (C-F, A#-D#, D#-G#) with the significant jump from F to A#. This "all fourths" characteristic on the higher strings creates an open, harmonically ambiguous sound, ideal for quartal harmonies and dense, percussive riffs, a staple in progressive and djent music. The lowest E string provides a solid, standard bass foundation, allowing for conventional power chords on the lowest string while the upper strings offer unique harmonic textures. The large interval between the 4th and 3rd strings (F3 to A#4) creates a vast space, which can be exploited for dramatic dynamic shifts or to isolate melodic lines.

Open Chords and Voicings

While the open tuning itself does not form a simple major or minor chord, its structure lends itself to:

• Quartal Voicings: The stacked perfect fourths on strings 5-1 (C, F, A#, D#, G# with the F-A# octave jump) make it excellent for modern, open-sounding quartal chords.
• Power Chords: The E2 on the 6th string ensures easy access to E-based power chords (e.g., E5 by fretting the 7th fret on string 5 for a B note).
• Dissonant Clusters: Strumming all open strings will produce a dissonant but rich sound, perfect for atmospheric or heavy textures.
• Single-Note Riffing: The wide intervallic jumps make this tuning particularly effective for single-note or two-string riffs that cover a broad range quickly.

How to Tune

To achieve the E Vildhjarta tuning, follow these instructions carefully. Please note that tuning strings up by 3 or more semitones places increased tension on the string, and a different gauge string may be advisable for moves exceeding 4 semitones.

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: E2.
• String 5 (A string): Tune up 3 semitones. Target Note: C3. (Care advised due to increased tension)
• String 4 (D string): Tune up 3 semitones. Target Note: F3. (Care advised due to increased tension)
• String 3 (G string): Tune up 3 semitones. Target Note: A#4. (Care advised due to increased tension)
• String 2 (B string): Tune up 4 semitones. Target Note: D#5. (Consider a different gauge string due to significant tension increase)
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 4 semitones. Target Note: G#5. (Consider a different gauge string due to significant tension increase)

Always tune slowly and check the pitch frequently with a reliable tuner to avoid string breakage.

The notes for the E Vildhjarta tuning are as follows:

• String 6: E2
• String 5: C3
• String 4: F3
• String 3: A#4
• String 2: D#5
• String 1: G#5