The "My Iron Lung" Tuning: A Radiohead Inspired Openness with a Twist

This unique guitar tuning, directly inspired by Radiohead's "My Iron Lung," is a compelling variation on standard E tuning. It masterfully combines familiar harmonic anchors with unexpected elements, forging a soundscape that can range from hauntingly melodic to intensely dissonant. While retaining some common string pitches, its reconfigured lower strings and a notably high, sharp first string contribute to its distinctive character, making it perfectly suited for the song's atmospheric and angular feel.

Technical Breakdown and Harmonic Observations

The open strings are tuned to E2 G2 D3 G3 B3 D#5. This configuration immediately presents a rich harmonic tapestry. The core of the tuning on strings 5, 4, 3, and 2 (G2 D3 G3 B3) strongly outlines a G Major chord (G-B-D), offering an open, resonant sound. When the 6th string (E2) is added, this structure can be perceived as an E minor 7th chord (E-G-B-D-G), providing a versatile foundation for both E minor and G Major tonalities, characteristic of many alternative and folk tunings.

The most striking and defining element of this tuning is the 1st string, tuned to D#5. This high D# creates significant melodic and harmonic tension. Relative to the underlying E minor 7th (E-G-B-D), the D# acts as a Major 7th, transforming the potential E minor sound into an E minor (Major 7th) chord (Em(maj7)), or providing a strong leading tone towards E. When combined with the natural D on the 4th string, it can create a distinctive dissonant, shimmering quality, or facilitate very specific voice leading in melodies. The interval of an Augmented 9th (16 semitones) from the 2nd string (B3) to the 1st string (D#5) is unusually wide, greatly contributing to the tuning's unique sonic signature.

Open Chords and Possibilities:

• Open G Major: Playing strings 5-4-3-2 (G2-D3-G3-B3) yields a clear and resonant G Major chord, ready for strumming or arpeggiation.
• E minor 7: Playing strings 6-5-4-3-2 (E2-G2-D3-G3-B3) creates a full Em7 chord, offering a melancholic yet rich foundation.
• Complex Voicings: The full open tuning (E-G-D-G-B-D#) produces a highly complex, dissonant yet evocative chord. It features the E minor triad, a natural D (minor 7th), and a D# (major 7th) simultaneously. This suggests a sound that is both suspended and resolving, ideal for atmospheric and experimental compositions that demand unique harmonic flavors.
• Barre Chord Accessibility: Due to the open G Major and E minor shapes on the lower strings, barre chords rooted on these notes become easily accessible by simply barring across multiple strings, especially on the lower four to five strings. The high D# can then be used melodically as an extension or for specific dissonant accents.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve this "My Iron Lung" tuning, follow these precise string adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at E2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones. This moves the string from A2 to G2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at G3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at B3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 1 semitone. This moves the string from E5 to D#5.

Note: All string movements for this tuning are relatively minor (within 2 semitones down). Therefore, a change in string gauge is generally not required, although tuning down the 5th string by two semitones may make it feel slightly looser. Always tune carefully and ensure your instrument is properly intonated after changing tuning.

String 6: E2

String 5: G2

String 4: D3

String 3: G3

String 2: B3

String 1: D#5