The Architects Early Grave tuning is a highly specialized and aggressive setup, perfectly tailored for the heavy, intricate soundscapes of modern metalcore. This tuning departs significantly from standard guitar tunings, favoring dissonance, wide intervals, and a dark, powerful foundation.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to G#3 F#3 B2 E3 G#4 C#5 from low to high. This arrangement creates a unique harmonic landscape:

• Wide Interval Spacing: Noticeable immediately is the jump from F#3 on String 5 down to B2 on String 4, creating a substantial downward interval that contributes to the tuning's distinctive, guttural low-end.
• Octave Reinforcement: The G# note is present on both the lowest string (String 6: G#3) and a higher string (String 2: G#4), providing a strong, resonant octave that can be used to anchor heavy riffs.
• Implied Tonality: While not a traditional chord tuning, the notes B, C#, E, F#, G# are present across the open strings. This collection strongly suggests a B major pentatonic (B C# E F# G#) or G# minor pentatonic (G# B C# E F#) tonality, making it versatile for riffs in these keys.
• Open Chord Voicings:
  • Playing open Strings 4, 3, and 2 (B2, E3, G#4) yields an E Major triad in 2nd inversion.
  • Expanding to include String 1 (B2, E3, G#4, C#5) forms an an open E6 chord. These voicings offer surprising melodic potential amidst the heavy foundation.

This tuning is highly effective for powerful, chugging riffs, technical lead work that utilizes the open strings, and creating a sense of urgency and tension. It encourages exploration of non-standard chord shapes and power chords that leverage the lower-end G# and F# for a crushing impact, typical of Architects' signature sound.

Open String Notes:

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

How to Tune:

Please note that significant changes in string tension may require a different string gauge for optimal playability and intonation. Changes exceeding 4 semitones up or down are marked as requiring caution.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 4 semitones to G#3. (Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones significantly increases tension; consider a lighter gauge string if this is a permanent tuning.)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 3 semitones to G#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.