The "Mi kk el string safe heavy." tuning, as its name suggests, is crafted to deliver a "heavy" and "speedy" feel, offering a distinct alternative to standard guitar tuning. This unique setup creates a rich, resonant soundscape, characterized by its dark, atmospheric qualities and the potential for powerful drone notes.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned as follows, from low to high:

• 6th String: E2 (Low E)
• 5th String: F#3
• 4th String: C#4
• 3rd String: F#4
• 2nd String: C#5
• 1st String: E4 (High E, but lower than the 2nd string!)

Observing the intervals, we find a complex yet highly functional structure:

• E2 to F#3: A wide Major 9th interval (14 semitones), providing a deep, open bass.
• F#3 to C#4: A perfect 5th (7 semitones).
• C#4 to F#4: A perfect 4th (5 semitones).
• F#4 to C#5: Another perfect 5th (7 semitones).
• C#5 to E4: This is a re-entrant interval, with the 1st string E4 being a minor 6th *lower* than the 2nd string C#5. This inversion creates intriguing melodic and harmonic possibilities, allowing for "inside-out" arpeggios and bright upper voicings without necessarily being the highest note.

Chordal Opportunities and Playing Style

When strummed open, this tuning primarily yields a C# minor sus4 chord (C#-E-F#) with robust E drone notes on the 6th and 1st strings. This creates a powerful, slightly melancholic, and highly resonant sound. The repeated F# (on the 5th and 3rd strings) and C# (on the 4th and 2nd strings) notes, often an octave apart, make it exceptionally easy to construct power chords and open string drones across non-adjacent strings. Barring across certain frets, particularly on the middle four strings, will naturally produce C# minor or F# minor based voicings. The re-entrant high E string can be used to add shimmering high notes to lower-pitched chords or create surprising melodic turns. Due to its non-standard intervals, traditional open chord shapes will need significant adjustment or re-imagining; however, new, inspiring voicings will emerge through experimentation, especially for styles requiring heavy, atmospheric textures or quick, arpeggiated figures.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Mi kk el string safe heavy." tuning, follow these precise adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Please proceed with caution, especially when tuning up, and listen carefully to your strings.

• 6th String (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A3): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• 4th String (D4): Tune down 1 semitone to C#4.
• 3rd String (G4): Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• 2nd String (B4): Tune up 2 semitones to C#5.
• 1st String (E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Note: This implies your 1st string is already at E4, or you tune your standard E5 down a full octave to E4 and then keep it there, as per the explicit instruction to not change the string from its current E4 state.

Important Note: While none of the individual string movements exceed 4 semitones up or down (which would typically advise a different string gauge), always exercise care when tuning. Tuning up 2 or 3 semitones can increase string tension, so monitor your guitar's neck relief. Consult a professional if you have any concerns.