Chris Cornell - Guitar Setup & Tunings
Soundgarden
Quick Facts
- Primary Tuning
- Drop D
- String Gauge
- .009-.046 (varied by tuning)
- String Brand
- GHS
- Genre
- Grunge / Alternative Rock
About Chris Cornell's Sound
Christopher John Cornell (1964-2017) was one of rock's greatest vocalists, with a four-octave range that could shift from tender whisper to primal scream. As Soundgarden's frontman and rhythm guitarist, he helped pioneer grunge. The band's experimentation with odd time signatures and alternate tunings set them apart from peers. Cornell later fronted Audioslave, combining his vocals with RATM's musicians. His solo career and Temple of the Dog collaboration (with Pearl Jam members) expanded his legacy. Cornell's suicide in 2017 shocked the music world. His voice remains instantly recognizable and irreplaceable.
Tunings Used
Drop D - 6 songs
- Black Hole SunTry this tuning →
- OutshinedTry this tuning →
- SpoonmanTry this tuning →
- Rusty CageTry this tuning →
- Burden in My HandTry this tuning →
- The Day I Tried to LiveTry this tuning →
CGCGGE - 1 song
- My Wave
EEEEEE - 1 song
- Pretty Noose
String Setup
Primary Strings
GHS
.009-.046 (varied by tuning)
Why Chris Cornell uses these
Cornell used numerous alternate tunings, most famously tuning all six strings to E for 'Pretty Noose' (reportedly after a joke from Pearl Jam's Jeff Ament). Soundgarden's catalog requires multiple guitars in different tunings. Cornell's rhythm playing supported Kim Thayil's lead work while he focused on vocals. The band's dark, heavy sound came partly from dropped tunings combined with unusual chord voicings. Cornell's acoustic work showcased his songwriting outside the heavy context. His live performances required careful guitar organization to handle the variety of tunings.