Verbal Analysis: The Sound of "Teenage Riot"

The "Teenage Riot" tuning, famously associated with the experimental rock band Sonic Youth, is a highly unconventional and defining characteristic of their groundbreaking sound. Moving far beyond standard guitar tuning, this setup completely redefines the instrument's sonic landscape, creating a world rich with open, ringing tones, intriguing dissonances, and unique harmonic possibilities. It's designed to inspire new approaches to songwriting and playing, often leading to drone-like textures, shimmering arpeggios, and powerful, unexpected chord voicings that are characteristic of its namesake's raw and innovative style. This tuning is not merely an alteration; it's an invitation to explore a distinct and expansive sonic territory.

Technical Analysis: Unpacking the Tuning

The full tuning notes for "Teenage Riot" are G2-A2-B2-D4-E4-G4, from the lowest to the highest string. When strummed open, these notes collectively form a rich G6(add9) chord (G-A-B-D-E-G), providing a lush and complex harmonic foundation. However, the most striking feature of this tuning is the dramatic and expansive interval between the 4th string (B2) and the 3rd string (D4). This gap spans an octave and a minor third (15 semitones!), creating an incredibly wide chasm in the register that allows for striking harmonic contrasts and spacious voicings.

The lowest three strings (G2-A2-B2) form an ascending G major second inversion triad fragment, while the upper three strings (D4-E4-G4) present a fragment of a G major triad in a higher octave, with an added E. This unique combination allows for both resonant, open sounds and areas for angular and dissonant melodic exploration due to the non-standard intervals. Players are encouraged to abandon traditional chord shapes and explore new harmonic territories, making it ideal for creating droning soundscapes, intricate arpeggios, and powerful, unconventional chord voicings that cut through a mix.

How to Tune: Navigating the Semitone Shifts

When preparing to tune your guitar to "Teenage Riot," please follow these instructions carefully. Pay close attention to the semitone movements for each string. Given the significant adjustments on some strings, proceed with caution, and consider string gauge as advised to prevent breakage or neck issues.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 3 semitones. The original E2 moves up to G2. This is a moderate adjustment.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 3 semitones. The original D3 moves down to B2. This is a moderate adjustment.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 7 semitones. The original G3 moves up to D4. Caution: This is a significant upward adjustment (exceeds 4 semitones). It is strongly advised to proceed with extreme care and consider using a lighter gauge string for this position to avoid breakage or excessive neck tension.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 5 semitones. The original B3 moves up to E4. Caution: This is a significant upward adjustment (exceeds 4 semitones). It is strongly advised to proceed with extreme care and consider using a lighter gauge string for this position.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 3 semitones. The original E4 moves up to G4. This is a moderate adjustment.

Always tune slowly and check your guitar's neck relief after making significant tuning changes. Enjoy exploring the unique sonic possibilities of "Teenage Riot"!

Here are the final notes for each string of your guitar in this tuning:

• String 6 (Low E): G2
• String 5 (A): A2
• String 4 (D): B2
• String 3 (G): D4
• String 2 (B): E4
• String 1 (High E): G4