Slomatics Octave Tuning: A Deep Dive

Verbal Analysis: The Sound of Doom

This formidable tuning, known as the Slomatics Octave Tuning, is famously employed by Chris Couzens and David Majury of the Irish doom metal band Slomatics. It's designed to deliver an incredibly thick, resonant, and immensely heavy sound, perfect for the low-and-slow sonic landscapes of doom. The core idea revolves around creating powerful octave pairings, giving the instrument a massive, almost orchestral presence that underpins their crushing riffs.

Technical Analysis: Open Notes and Octave Power

The open strings of this tuning lay out a unique sonic foundation: F#2, F#3, B2, E3, G#4, B3 (from low to high). A key feature, as highlighted by Slomatics themselves, is the creation of two distinct octave pairings:

• The 6th string (F#2) and the 5th string (F#3) are tuned a perfect octave apart, creating a colossal low-end F# drone.
• The 4th string (B2) and the 1st string (B3) are also a perfect octave apart, offering a resonant B voicing that cuts through the mix.

The overall open voicing is quite rich and complex. From the low F# root, we find F# (octave), B (perfect 4th), E (minor 7th), G# (major 2nd/9th), and B (perfect 4th/11th). This combination forms a type of F#sus4(add9, b7) chord, which, while not a standard major or minor triad, provides a deep, slightly dissonant, and very open sound perfectly suited for heavy, atmospheric music. The wide intervals between some strings, particularly the G#4 on the 2nd string and the low E3 on the 3rd, further contribute to its unique character.

To handle such low tunings and string tension, the recommended string gauge is substantial, ranging from .013 to .075, ensuring proper tension and intonation for these deep notes.

Chordal Exploration: Beyond the Octave

While the octave pairings are central, this tuning offers more:

• Open Octaves: The most obvious and impactful use is exploiting the F# and B octave pairings. A single finger barre across the 6th and 5th strings (or 4th and 1st strings) instantly yields powerful, thick octave notes.
• Power Chords: Moving these octave shapes up the fretboard allows for massive two-string power chords (e.g., F#5, B5). The open E on the 3rd string can be utilized as a minor 7th against F#, or as a root for E5 power chords with fretted notes.
• Drones and Resonances: The open strings ring out with a compelling resonance. Utilizing the low F# and B as drones beneath fretted melodies or chords can create a vast, ambient texture.
• Unique Voicings: Standard chord shapes will need significant re-imagining. However, experimenting with two or three-string voicings that leverage the specific intervals (e.g., F#-B on 6th/4th strings for a perfect 4th) can uncover fresh, heavy harmonies.

How to Tune: Achieving the Slomatics Sound

This tuning involves significant adjustments. The original description suggests first tuning to C# Standard, then modifying specific strings. Below are the precise movements to achieve the Slomatics Octave Tuning, referencing the standard EADGBe strings for context and then the final target note:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 10 semitones. The target open note is F#2. Caution: Tuning down 10 semitones is a very significant drop; a heavier gauge string (.070-.075) is strongly advised for proper tension and intonation.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones. The target open note is F#3. Caution: Tuning down 3 semitones is a notable adjustment; consider a slightly heavier gauge string if your current A string feels too loose.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 3 semitones. The target open note is B2. Caution: Tuning down 3 semitones is a notable adjustment; consider a slightly heavier gauge string if your current D string feels too loose.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones. The target open note is E3. Caution: Tuning down 3 semitones is a notable adjustment; consider a slightly heavier gauge string if your current G string feels too loose.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 3 semitones. The target open note is G#4. Caution: Tuning down 3 semitones is a notable adjustment; consider a slightly heavier gauge string if your current B string feels too loose.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 5 semitones. The target open note is B3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string (.017-.020) is advised for proper tension and intonation.

Always re-check intonation after making significant tuning changes.

Open String Notes:

• String 6 (Low E): F#2
• String 5 (A): F#3
• String 4 (D): B2
• String 3 (G): E3
• String 2 (B): G#4
• String 1 (High E): B3