The "Outside" Tuning: Mushok's Deep, Resonant Sound

Dive into the world of incredibly low and heavy guitar with the "Outside" tuning, famously utilized by Mike Mushok of Staind on tracks like "Outside" and "For You." This tuning is a masterclass in creating a thick, brooding atmosphere, perfect for powerful riffs and emotionally charged soundscapes. It's not just a drop tuning; it's a complete revoicing of the instrument, designed to push the boundaries of conventional guitar sonics.

Technical Analysis: G#2 D#3 A#3 C#4 F#4 A#4

This tuning sets a deep foundation with a G#2 on the low E string, making it exceptionally heavy. The intervals between the open strings are unconventional, providing a unique harmonic texture:

• String 6 (G#2) to String 5 (D#3): A perfect 5th (7 semitones). This classic interval immediately establishes a powerful, resonant base.
• String 5 (D#3) to String 4 (A#3): Another perfect 5th (7 semitones). The lowest three strings (G#2 D#3 A#3) form a robust G# power chord with an added A# (the 9th or 2nd of G#), creating an incredibly thick and droning low end.
• String 4 (A#3) to String 3 (C#4): A minor 3rd (3 semitones). This interval introduces a darker, more melancholic flavor into the tuning's overall harmony.
• String 3 (C#4) to String 2 (F#4): A perfect 4th (5 semitones).
• String 2 (F#4) to String 1 (A#4): A major 3rd (4 semitones). The repeated A# an octave higher on the first string adds to the tuning's resonant quality.

When played open, the notes G#2, D#3, A#3, C#4, F#4, A#4 reveal a complex voicing. The collection of notes (G#, A#, C#, D#, F#) is rich, leaning towards a G# Minor 11 chord (missing the B natural). This sophisticated harmonic structure provides a dark, heavy, and resonant sonic palette.

Chords and Playability

Traditional open chords are largely absent in this tuning, requiring players to explore new voicings. However, the low intervals make power chords incredibly easy and impactful, especially on the lower strings. Barring across strings 6, 5, and 4 (G# D# A#) creates a massive, droning G# power chord with an added 9th, ideal for the driving, heavy riffs found in Staind's music. The unique setup encourages a focus on single-note melodies, dissonant clusters, and heavy, sustained chords, perfect for modern rock and metal genres.

How to Tune Your Guitar

Achieving the "Outside" tuning from standard EADGBe requires significant downtuning across all strings. Due to the substantial drop in pitch, especially on the lower strings, consider using a heavier gauge of strings to maintain proper tension and intonation. Generally, for movements exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), a different gauge string is advised.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 8 semitones. This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain playability and tone.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 6 semitones. A heavier gauge string is advised for this change.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 4 semitones. For optimal performance, a heavier gauge string may be beneficial.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 6 semitones. A heavier gauge string is advised for this change.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 5 semitones. A heavier gauge string is advised for this change.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 6 semitones. A heavier gauge string is advised for this change.

The "Outside" tuning notes are as follows (from lowest to highest string):

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