The "Dual G# Octave Tuning" for Guitar is a powerful and unique sonic landscape, famously utilized by Takeshi and Wata of the Japanese experimental rock band Boris. This tuning, as described from a video of Takeshi playing the Hizumitas on the EarthQuakerDevicesJP YouTube channel, is designed to produce massive, droning textures and complex, often dissonant, harmonies.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning immediately establishes a dark, resonant, and almost sludgy character. The foundation is a formidable G# root, significantly emphasized by the lowest two strings (6th and 5th) both tuned to G#2, an octave below the 4th string which is G#3. This triple G# provides an incredibly thick and sustained drone, ideal for heavy riffs, soundscaping, and atmospheric passages. The core power of G# is undeniable, creating a massive low-end presence.

Harmonically, the open strings (G#2, G#2, G#3, C#4, F3, A#4) suggest a rich and complex extended G# voicing. The C#4 on the 3rd string creates a perfect fourth interval with the G# root, forming a strong G#sus4 foundation that can be played as a powerful chord by muting higher strings. The F3 on the 2nd string introduces a Major 7th interval relative to G#, adding significant tension and a distinctive, often bluesy or jazz-infused dissonance. The highest string, A#4, resolves to a Major 9th (or Major 2nd) above the G#, adding brightness and harmonic intrigue to the overall voicing. This combination moves far beyond a simple open chord, lending itself to abstract chord voicings, heavy power chords (especially G#5 and G#sus4), and melodic explorations that defy standard guitar conventions. It's a tuning built for texture and impact, rather than conventional harmony.

Technical Analysis & How to Tune

This tuning involves a dramatic down-tuning across all six strings. This will result in an exceptionally low and loose string tension if standard gauge strings are used, making the tuning highly suitable for heavy, sludgy tones. However, for optimal playability, intonation, and to prevent excessive buzzing or difficulty staying in tune, a significantly heavier string gauge is strongly advised across all strings.

Here's how to achieve the "Dual G# Octave Tuning" from your guitar's standard pitch:

• 6th String: Tune down 8 semitones to G#2. (This is a substantial drop; a heavier string gauge is recommended.)
• 5th String: Tune down 13 semitones to G#2. (This is an extremely significant drop, equivalent to an octave and a semitone; a much heavier string gauge is essential for this string.)
• 4th String: Tune down 6 semitones to G#3. (A considerable drop; a heavier string gauge is recommended.)
• 3rd String: Tune down 6 semitones to C#4. (A considerable drop; a heavier string gauge is recommended.)
• 2nd String: Tune down 6 semitones to F3. (A considerable drop; a heavier string gauge is recommended.)
• 1st String: Tune down 6 semitones to A#4. (A considerable drop; a heavier string gauge is recommended.)

When performing such extreme downward adjustments, exercise caution. It is crucial to ensure your guitar's bridge and neck relief are properly set up to accommodate these significantly lower string tensions to avoid potential damage and maximize playability and intonation. Using a dedicated multi-scale or baritone instrument might also be considered for tunings with such low string pitches.

Open String Notes:

String 6: G#2
String 5: G#2
String 4: G#3
String 3: C#4
String 2: F3
String 1: A#4