- 1). Turn the machine head one quarter of a counter-clockwise revolution. This will de-tune the top E string slightly so it is marginally flat. The flat E string will clash with the B string and cause dissonance.
- 2). Place your second finger on the second fret of the A string, to make a B note. Place your third finger on the second fret of the D string, to make an E note. This is an E minor chord shape. Strum all six strings from top to bottom and let the strings ring. The out of tune top E string will clash with the other, correctly tuned strings to create a wobbly, phasing sound.
- 3). Strum all six strings again. Gently pluck the bottom E string four times per measure to create a droning sound.
- 4). Slide your second finger from fret two on the A string to fret one. This changes the note from B to B flat. The interval between the two fretted notes therefore changes from a perfect fourth to a diminished fifth. The slightly atonal character of the diminished fifth, combined with the droning low E and the out of tune top E, creates a deep resonating sound.
- 5). Slide your second finger back up to B every four measures to give your song a harmonic structure. Repeat this pattern for sixteen measures.
- 6). Pluck the bottom E on its own. The other droning strings will gradually fade out. Slow down the tempo of the plucking. This change in dynamics draws focus toward the low E note.
- 7). Put your second finger on the second fret of the top E string, to create an F sharp note. Play the F sharp once then place your third finger on the third fret of the top E string to make a G note. Play the G once, then play F sharp, then play the open E. This four note pattern is similar to the top line melody in the theme music from "The Twilight Zone." Including a reference to a well-known creepy song in your own song adds an element of familiarity to proceedings.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -