Tuning Overview: Teenage Riot Vibe

Inspired by the stated goal of creating music reminiscent of 'Teenage Riot' and similar alternative rock, this tuning, which we'll call Teenage Riot Vibe, offers a truly unique and somewhat dissonant sonic landscape. It significantly departs from standard tuning, providing a foundation for experimental and aggressive sounds, characterized by its open, resonant qualities and interesting harmonic clashes.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to E2 G#3 C3 G3 C4 D4. This configuration creates a distinctive set of intervals:

• String 6 (E2) to String 5 (G#3): A wide major 10th (compound major 3rd). This creates a bright, open feel between the lowest two strings, hinting at an E major arpeggio if played in sequence.
• String 5 (G#3) to String 4 (C3): A descending augmented 4th (tritone). This is a strong dissonant interval, contributing to the tuning's unique and sometimes abrasive character.
• String 4 (C3) to String 3 (G3): A perfect 5th. This is a very strong and resonant interval, allowing for powerful open chord voicings.
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (C4): A perfect 4th. Another strong, consonant interval that builds on the open chord potential.
• String 2 (C4) to String 1 (D4): A major 2nd. This tight interval on the highest strings adds a cluster-like quality or a suspended feel.

The open string notes (E, G#, C, G, C, D) do not form a single conventional chord easily due to the interplay of G# with C. However, they contain a strong C major triad (C, E, G) with the added G# creating tension and a D adding a sus2 or 9th quality. The middle strings (C3, G3, C4) form a powerful C5 chord, making open power chords and drone textures readily accessible, perfect for the stated musical inspiration. The wide and unusual intervals encourage experimental fingerings and offer a fresh approach to chord voicings. Chords like open C5 (strings 4,3,2) are easily achieved, and due to the strong perfect 5th and 4th intervals, shifting these shapes across the fretboard could yield interesting results. The lowest E and G# hint at an E Major arpeggio, but the immediate shift to C creates a compelling dissonance for a raw, alternative sound.

How to Tune: From Standard EADGBe

Please note that standard guitar tuning is E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4 (from the thickest to the thinnest string). Follow these instructions for each string:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains E2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 1 semitone. From standard A2, lower the string by 1 semitone. This movement results in G#2. Please note: The target tuning note for this string, as specified in the tuning notes, is G#3. If aiming for G#3, this would involve tuning up 11 semitones from A2, which contradicts the 'tune down 1 semitone' instruction from standard A2. Ensure you tune to the desired G#3 octave.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones. From standard D3, lower the string by 2 semitones to reach C3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone. From standard B3, raise the string by 1 semitone to reach C4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones. From standard E4, lower the string by 2 semitones to reach D4.

Important Tuning Advice: Large tuning changes can affect string tension and intonation. Movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down often warrant a change in string gauge for optimal playability and to prevent string breakage.