The "Special Mathrock Tuning 2" is, as its name suggests, an intricate and angular tuning designed for the unique sonic landscapes of math-rock. As described by its creator, "Yea, a mathrock tuning. I've used it in the past", this tuning offers a blend of familiar and surprising intervals, creating an open chord that is both rich and characteristic of the genre's often complex harmonies and arpeggiated figures.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the guitar strings to F#3 A2 E3 F#4 C#5 E4, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string.

• The intervals between adjacent strings are notably varied:
• 6th to 5th String (F#3 to A2): A descending Minor 6th (-10 semitones).
• 5th to 4th String (A2 to E3): An ascending Perfect 5th (+7 semitones).
• 4th to 3rd String (E3 to F#4): An ascending Major 9th (+14 semitones), creating a wide and bright leap.
• 3rd to 2nd String (F#4 to C#5): An ascending Perfect 5th (+7 semitones).
• 2nd to 1st String (C#5 to E4): A descending Minor 6th (-9 semitones), another significant drop.

The open string notes (F#, A, E, C#) collectively form an F# minor 7th chord (F# - A - C# - E). This inherent open chord provides a strong harmonic foundation, allowing for complex arpeggios and melodic lines to be built upon a stable, yet sophisticated, tonality. The presence of octaves for F# (F#3 and F#4) and E (E3 and E4) further enriches the open sound. This structure is ideal for creating intricate, chiming patterns and dissonant textures often heard in math-rock, offering both familiar harmonic anchor points and unexpected melodic possibilities. Chords like Amaj6 (A C# E F#) are also readily available as the same notes are present.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Special Mathrock Tuning 2" from standard E standard tuning (E A D G B E), follow these precise steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones to F#3. (E → F → F#)
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E3. (D → D# → E)
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitones to F#4. (G → F#)
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 2 semitones to C#5. (B → C → C#)
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at E4.

Important Note: While most string adjustments for this tuning are minor, always tune carefully and gradually to avoid string breakage. For tunings requiring movements greater than 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is advisable, though this particular tuning generally stays within safer limits for standard string gauges.

6th String (Lowest): Tuned to F#3. This is a Major 2nd (2 semitones) higher than the standard E3.

5th String: Tuned to A2. This string remains in standard tuning.

4th String: Tuned to E3. This is a Major 2nd (2 semitones) higher than the standard D3.

3rd String: Tuned to F#4. This is a Minor 2nd (1 semitone) lower than the standard G4.

2nd String: Tuned to C#5. This is a Major 2nd (2 semitones) higher than the standard B4.

1st String (Highest): Tuned to E4. This string remains in standard tuning.