This unique tuning, aptly named The Cabs, is explicitly described as being used by the innovative math rock band The Cabs. It's a tuning designed for sonic exploration, offering a distinctively angular, tense, and at times dissonant sound palette, typical of the math rock genre. With all strings tuned upwards from standard, it inherently brings a brighter and tighter feel to the instrument.

Verbal Analysis

Strumming 'The Cabs' open strings (F#3 A#3 D#4 G#4 C#5 F4) immediately reveals a rich, complex, and somewhat clashing sonic landscape. At its core, the tuning has a strong F# Major flavor, with the 6th, 5th, and 2nd strings forming an F# Major triad (F# - A# - C#). Expanding on this, the inclusion of the 4th string (D#4) creates an F#maj6, further extended by the 3rd string (G#4) to an F#maj6(add9) voicing. This foundation provides a sophisticated harmonic base for intricate arpeggios and melodic lines.

The most striking and genre-defining characteristic, however, lies in the relationship between the 2nd string (C#5) and the 1st string (F4). Unconventionally, the 1st string is tuned lower in pitch than the 2nd string. This creates an inverted string order for the highest two strings and a pronounced diminished 5th (tritone) interval between C#5 and F4, which is inherently unstable and tense. Furthermore, the high F4 creates a jarring minor second dissonance with the foundational F#3 on the lowest string. This combination of rich extended harmony with deliberate, high-tension dissonance is a hallmark of math rock, allowing for the creation of intricate, non-standard voicings and challenging, arpeggiated melodic motifs that cut through a mix with an unyielding edge.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for 'The Cabs' tuning are:

• 6th String: F#3
• 5th String: A#3
• 4th String: D#4
• 3rd String: G#4
• 2nd String: C#5
• 1st String: F4

The intervals between the open strings are as follows:

• 6th String (F#3) to 5th String (A#3): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
• 5th String (A#3) to 4th String (D#4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• 4th String (D#4) to 3rd String (G#4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• 3rd String (G#4) to 2nd String (C#5): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• 2nd String (C#5) to 1st String (F4): Diminished 5th (6 semitones). Crucially, the 1st string is pitched lower than the 2nd string.

All strings in this tuning are up-tuned relative to their standard EADGBe counterparts. The individual movements, ranging from 1 to 2 semitones up, are generally considered within acceptable limits for a standard string gauge without requiring an immediate change. However, as all strings are tightened, the overall tension on the guitar neck and bridge will be significantly increased. Guitarists should always exercise caution when implementing such tunings and consider using lighter gauge strings or consulting a luthier if playing in this tuning frequently, to prevent potential instrument damage.

Open String Notes

The target pitches for each string in 'The Cabs' tuning are:

6th String: F#3
5th String: A#3
4th String: D#4
3rd String: G#4
2nd String: C#5
1st String: F4

How to Tune

To achieve 'The Cabs' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise instructions:

• 6th String (low E equivalent): Tune to F#3. (Tune up 2 semitones)
• 5th String (A equivalent): Tune to A#3. (Tune up 1 semitones)
• 4th String (D equivalent): Tune to D#4. (Tune up 1 semitones)
• 3rd String (G equivalent): Tune to G#4. (Tune up 1 semitones)
• 2nd String (B equivalent): Tune to C#5. (Tune up 2 semitones)
• 1st String (high E equivalent): Tune to F4. (Tune up 1 semitones)

Note on String Gauge: All strings in this tuning are tuned upwards. While the individual string movements (1-2 semitones) do not exceed the general guideline of 4 semitones for a recommended change in string gauge, tuning all strings up simultaneously will increase the overall tension on your guitar. It is always advisable to exercise caution when tuning up significantly and to consider using lighter gauge strings if you plan to play in this tuning for extended periods, or if you notice any unusual strain on your instrument.