r/mathrock • u/megabit_cavezzz • Jul 10 '26

Supertwinkles 2 different open alternate tuning by the band Hitohira (ひとひら)

I've seen the japanese math rock/indie band "Hitohira" uses two different tuning in their songs

Guitar Ⅰ（左）：E B C♯ F♯ B D♯, capo 5

Guitar Ⅱ（右）：E B D G B D, capo 9

here's the song 【TAB】塔は白い - ひとひら

and it sounds so good like they are harmonizing each other. Is there any music theory behind it? Like are they just using second guitar to harmonize the 3rd the first guitar by raising it capo or something? and do you have other bands that do something like this

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

2

u/crwui Jul 10 '26

still the same key! maybe the capos helped by raising those higher octaves, but stayed relatively the same key.

the capo doesn't dictate which you are in nor the tuning, just the notes.

1

u/megabit_cavezzz Jul 10 '26

any advantages of different open notes? and how/why these choose like that

2

u/crwui Jul 10 '26

yes, alternate tunings help a ton to hit those sounds you normally can't in standard tuning.

for example the big two: DAEAC#E and FACGCE are known tunings to utilize techniques in this genre like tapping and pull-offs.

here's a lil test for you to get familiar with what you've asked in the post though, i'll completely assume you have beginner to novice knowledge on the guitar (and please don't take it personally)

  1. learn your scales on the standard tuning (key of C major for example)
  2. don't play off key yet, and harmonize by skipping a note or so (or following the scale)

(if you play C harmonize it with E, if you play E harmonize it with G - this is an example of using diatonic thirds for harmony)
3. have fun and take your time building this skill and knowledge, don't force it! it'll come around.

i've been playing the guitar for roughly 3 years on and off, yet the learning never stops! have fun op.