This is a custom tuning for an extended range 9-string guitar, known as "Rotoscope (Spiritbox)". As indicated, this specific tuning was used in Andrew Baena's cover of the song "Rotoscope" and its authenticity to the original band's tuning is unconfirmed. It features an incredibly low range and unique string intervals, designed for the heavy, technical, and often dissonant soundscapes characteristic of modern progressive metal and djent music.

Technical Analysis

The tuning spans a vast range, with the lowest note being F1 (on String 8) and the highest D5# (on String 1). An interesting characteristic is the order of the two lowest physical strings: String 8 (F1) is actually tuned lower in pitch than String 9 (G1#), creating an inverted interval of a minor third between them. The jump from String 9 (G1#) to String 7 (A2#) is a substantial 15 semitones, indicating a highly non-linear pitch progression across the lower register.

The higher strings, from String 6 (D3#) to String 1 (D5#), exhibit a pattern of mostly perfect fourths with one major third: D3# - G3# (P4), G3# - C4# (P4), C4# - F4# (P4), F4# - A4# (M3), A4# - D5# (P4). This combination of wide, sometimes inverted, intervals in the low end and a mix of perfect fourths and a major third in the higher registers suggests a tuning designed to facilitate specific voicings, power chords, and possibly open-string dissonance within a heavy context, rather than traditional open chord shapes.

Chordal Opportunities

Due to the non-standard intervals, especially in the lower strings, traditional open chords are not immediately apparent. However, the presence of multiple D# notes across the higher strings (D3#, D5#) along with G3# and A4# allows for open D# power chords and complex extended voicings by adding F4# (major third) and C4# (minor seventh), forming a D#7sus4 or D#maj7sus4 type of sound when strummed openly across those strings. The irregular low strings (F1, G1#, A2#) are likely intended for specific low-end riffs, pedal tones, and percussive chugs, providing a massive, heavy foundation rather than harmonious open chords.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Rotoscope (Spiritbox)" tuning, adjust each string as follows:

• String 9 (thickest): Tune down 5 semitones to G1#. (This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal performance and tension as it exceeds the recommended range for standard gauges.)
• String 8: Tune down 1 semitone to F1.
• String 7: Tune down 1 semitone to A2#.
• String 6: Tune down 1 semitone to D3#.
• String 5: Tune down 1 semitone to G3#.
• String 4: Tune down 1 semitone to C4#.
• String 3: Tune down 1 semitone to F4#.
• String 2: Tune down 1 semitone to A4#.
• String 1 (thinnest): Tune down 1 semitone to D5#.

Note that all strings are tuned down from a presumed standard starting pitch. The substantial 5-semitone drop on String 9 is particularly noteworthy and may require a string of a different gauge to ensure proper tension and intonation.

String 9: G1#

String 8: F1

String 7: A2#

String 6: D3#

String 5: G3#

String 4: C4#

String 3: F4#

String 2: A4#

String 1: D5#