Verbal and Technical Analysis: Jerma Tuning

The 'Jerma' tuning, as described, is an intriguing and deeply resonant open C# minor tuning. It's aptly characterized as 'Some weird open C#m thing. Totally Outweighted.' because it indeed forms a full C# minor chord (C#, E, G#) across all open strings, voiced in a unique and low register. The "Totally Outweighted" aspect likely refers to the significantly lowered pitches of many strings, contributing to a heavy, dark, and full sound ideal for powerful chordal work or ambient textures.

Technically, the open string notes are G#2 E2 G#3 E3 G#4 C#5. This arrangement clearly outlines a C# minor triad across multiple octaves. The root (C#) appears on the first string (C#5), the minor third (E) appears on the fifth (E2) and third (E3) strings, and the perfect fifth (G#) appears on the sixth (G#2), fourth (G#3), and second (G#4) strings. This creates a rich, layered C# minor chord when strummed open, almost like an internal drone.

The low register of the G#2 on the 6th string, coupled with the repetition of E and G# notes, gives this tuning a full, almost symphonic quality. It lends itself exceptionally well to playing open C# minor chords and inversions. Furthermore, barring across the fretboard would naturally generate other minor chords with a similar voicing structure. For example, barring all strings at the 2nd fret would yield a D minor chord, and at the 7th fret, an A minor chord, following the C# minor pattern. This tuning would be excellent for heavy riffs, dark ballads, or any genre benefiting from a consistent minor tonality.

How to Tune: Jerma Tuning

To achieve the 'Jerma' tuning, adjust your guitar strings according to the following movements to reach the specified target notes. Please note that several strings require significant tuning adjustments, for which a different gauge string is often recommended for optimal tension, playability, and to avoid potential string breakage or intonation issues.

• String 6: To reach G#2, tune from E3 down 8 semitones. (Movement exceeds 4 semitones; a heavier gauge string is advised.)
• String 5: To reach E2, tune from A2 down 5 semitones. (Movement exceeds 4 semitones; a heavier gauge string is advised.)
• String 4: To reach G#3, tune from D4 down 6 semitones. (Movement exceeds 4 semitones; a heavier gauge string is advised.)
• String 3: To reach E3, tune from G3 down 3 semitones.
• String 2: To reach G#4, tune from B4 down 3 semitones.
• String 1: To reach C#5, tune from E5 down 3 semitones.