The 'cobra tuning (modified)' is a unique and intriguing guitar tuning, reportedly invented by goth rock musician Josh Saunders (also known as kingcobrajfs). It aims to deliver a special, sinister sound, likely achieved through its unconventional intervallic structure and wide voicings across the fretboard. This tuning departs significantly from standard EADGBe, pushing several strings up in pitch.

Technically, the open strings are tuned to F#3, C#4, F#4, A3, C#5, F#5. This arrangement of notes forms a resonant F# minor chord (F#, A, C#) across multiple octaves, giving it a distinct dark and melancholic foundation. The lowest three strings (F#3, C#4, F#4) present a powerful F# power chord, doubling the root and including the perfect fifth. However, the tuning features some very wide and unusual intervals between adjacent strings, which are key to its character:

• String 6 (F#3) to String 5 (C#4): A Perfect 5th (7 semitones).
• String 5 (C#4) to String 4 (F#4): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones).
• String 4 (F#4) to String 3 (A3): An unusual descending minor 6th (9 semitones down). This creates a striking drop in pitch between the middle strings.
• String 3 (A3) to String 2 (C#5): A very wide interval of an octave and a major 3rd (16 semitones). This creates a dramatic jump in register, setting up complex harmonic possibilities.
• String 2 (C#5) to String 1 (F#5): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones).

The open strings inherently produce an F# minor chord, making it very accessible to play dark, atmospheric drones and arpeggios. The strong presence of F# and C# across different octaves means that F# power chords and derivatives are readily available. Barring across the neck will consistently yield minor chords (e.g., barring at the 2nd fret yields G minor, at the 4th fret yields A minor), provided the player accounts for the unique string 3/2 interval. This tuning is excellent for creating heavy, sustained riffs and can lend itself well to gothic, metal, or experimental genres where a rich, slightly dissonant, and deep sound is desired.

How to Tune 'cobra tuning (modified)'

To achieve the 'cobra tuning (modified)' from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these steps carefully. Please note that several strings are tuned up, with some significant increases in tension. Exercise caution and consider using a lighter string gauge for strings tuned up 4 or more semitones to avoid potential string breakage or neck damage.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones to F#3. (E → F#)
• String 5 (A): Tune up 4 semitones to C#4. (A → C#). Caution: This is a significant increase in tension. A lighter gauge string is advised.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 4 semitones to F#4. (D → F#). Caution: This is a significant increase in tension. A lighter gauge string is advised.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3. (G → A)
• String 2 (B): Tune up 2 semitones to C#5. (B → C#)
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 2 semitones to F#5. (E → F#)

Open String Notes:

• String 6: F#3
• String 5: C#4
• String 4: F#4
• String 3: A3
• String 2: C#5
• String 1: F#5