The "035 riff tuning" is an experimental and unconventional guitar setup, inspired by the distinctive interval movements often found in "0-3-5" style rock riffs. As described by its creator, the aim was to transform the essence of such riffs into a tuning where each string is significantly altered from standard, resulting in a unique and often dissonant harmonic landscape. The design ensures no two adjacent strings share the same pitch, encouraging a departure from traditional chord voicings towards more angular, melodic, or percussive playing styles.

Technical Analysis

This tuning establishes the following open string notes:

• String 6 (Low E): E2
• String 5 (A): C3
• String 4 (D): G3
• String 3 (G): A4# (A-sharp 4)
• String 2 (B): E4
• String 1 (High E): G4

Analyzing the intervals between adjacent strings, based on the specified target notes:

• E2 to C3: An interval of a minor 6th plus an octave (20 semitones). This creates a very wide, open, and slightly melancholic sound between the two lowest strings.
• C3 to G3: A perfect 5th (7 semitones). This is a strong, resonant interval, often used in power chords, providing some familiar stability amidst the unique tuning.
• G3 to A4#: An augmented 2nd plus an octave (15 semitones). This represents an exceptionally large and extreme jump in pitch from a standard G3 string. If achieved, this interval would produce a very bright, almost piercing quality.
• A4# to E4: A diminished 5th (6 semitones down from A#4 to E4). This is a tritone, a highly dissonant and tense interval, often used to create suspense or an unsettling atmosphere.
• E4 to G4: A minor 3rd (3 semitones). This is a foundational, slightly somber interval.

Due to the unusual and widely spaced intervals, standard open chords are not readily available or easily formed in this tuning. The inclusion of A4# (A-sharp 4) at such a high pitch on the 3rd string introduces significant dissonance and complexity. This tuning is better suited for:

• Experimental and Avant-Garde Music: Its unique sonic landscape lends itself to non-traditional harmonies and textures.
• Riff-Oriented Playing: As suggested by its name, it might excel in single-note or two-string riffs, where the player can exploit the specific intervals for melodic impact.
• Drone and Ambient Textures: The combination of wide and dissonant intervals can create interesting sustained sounds.
• Slide Guitar: The high tension and non-standard intervals could make for interesting slide explorations, though careful intonation would be key.

Players adopting this tuning should be prepared for a steep learning curve, as familiar chord shapes and scales will need to be re-evaluated. The high tension on certain strings, particularly if attempting to reach A4# from a G3 string, requires careful consideration of string gauge and instrument stability.

How to Tune

To achieve the "035 riff tuning" from standard E-A-D-G-B-E guitar tuning, follow these specific string movements. Please exercise caution, especially with significant upward tuning.

• String 6 (Low E - E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A - A2): Tune up 3 semitones to C3. (Generally safe for standard string gauges, but proceed with care.)
• String 4 (D - D3): Tune up 5 semitones to G3. (This is a significant upward adjustment; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance and safety.)
• String 3 (G - G3): Tune up 3 semitones. This will result in A#3 (A-sharp 3). (Proceed with care. It is crucial to note a significant discrepancy here: While the tuning notes specify A4# (A-sharp 4) for this string, tuning a standard G3 string up by only 3 semitones will result in A#3 (A-sharp 3). Reaching A4# from G3 would require an extreme upward tuning of 15 semitones, which is highly inadvisable for standard guitar strings and could cause string breakage or instrument damage. It is strongly recommended to aim for A#3, or use a much lighter gauge string if attempting a partial octave jump, though reaching A4# is not practically feasible with a G3 string and a 3-semitone change based on the provided movement instruction.)
• String 2 (B - B3): Tune up 5 semitones to E4. (This is a significant upward adjustment; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance and safety.)
• String 1 (High E - E4): Tune up 3 semitones to G4. (Generally safe for standard string gauges, but proceed with care.)

Important String Gauge Advisory: Tuning up more than 4 semitones (like Strings 4 and 2) or more than 3 semitones generally can put considerable stress on your strings and guitar neck. For optimal playability, intonation, and to prevent string breakage or potential instrument damage, consider using a heavier gauge string for any string tuned up by 5 semitones or more. If you choose to attempt reaching A4# on String 3, a highly specialized, much lighter gauge string would be necessary, but this remains extremely risky and is generally not recommended for a G3 string.

String 6: E2

String 5: C3

String 4: G3

String 3: A4#

String 2: E4

String 1: G4