Record label
Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Lies’ album was released in 1988 through Geffen Records, a major record label with massive influence in the music industry in the rock and rap genre. It was their sophomore album and was the last to feature original members Slash, Axl Rose and Duff McKagan, along with rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin. The album was a huge commercial success, selling over 5 million copies worldwide and becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Tuning of the album
The tuning for ‘Lies’ is E-flat tuning. It is one of the most popular guitar tunings, with E-flat being the lowest note on the guitar. This was an unusual tuning for the band as their previous album ‘Appetite for Destruction’ was in standard tuning. This shift to E-flat tuning put Guns N’ Roses in an influential position in rock music where they could be credited with bringing in a new sound.
The E-flat tuning is particularly associated with the song ‘Patience’ from the ‘Lies’ album. This song featured in the movie ‘Tombstone’ and received considerable radio airplay. The lower tuning also gave the band’s sound an atmospheric edge that complemented the album’s lyrical subject matter, which tended to focus on the darker side of life in the 1980s.
How did Guns N’ Roses come to E-flat tuning?
The shift towards E-flat tuning on ‘Lies’ has been credited to lead guitar player Slash. According to the multi-Grammy award-winning guitarist, the inspiration for E-flat tuning came from musical influences like acoustic blues musician Robert Johnson and rocker Mötley Crüe. He noted the bluesy feel of the lower tuning and found it appropriate for the band’s bluesy-rock sound.
Guns N’ Roses also sought to capitalise on the popularity of heavy metal at the time, and the E-flat tuning has a metallic guitar sound that resonates far more than the standard tuning. One of the most innovative elements of the album was the band’s ability to combine the dark, grungy sound of the E-flat tuning with catchy hooks and song structures – a move that allowed them to capture a mainstream audience.
Slash’s influence
Guitarists around the world have praised Slash for bringing E-flat tuning to popular notice. As one of the most acclaimed guitarists in rock music, his unique playing style has been analysed and replicated by many aspiring guitarists. His talent and skill are particularly evident on songs like ‘Patience’ and ‘Don’t Cry’ from the ‘Lies’ album, where he skilfully relies on the lower tuning to craft powerful hooks and engaging solos.
There is no denying the massive influence of the ‘Lies’ album on popular music, in particular its influence on hard rock music. Thanks to Slash’s technical brilliance and creative understanding of E-flat tuning, Guns N’ Roses crafted a classic album that has been discussed and reinterpreted by musicians across genres.
Implication for modern musicians
E-flat tuning is increasingly becoming a popular choice amongst modern musicians, especially those in the heavy metal and hard rock genres. The success of ‘Lies’ demonstrated the key role of the guitar in creating different sonic textures that can be varied depending on the tuning. This has big implications for modern musicians aiming to craft a unique sound – tuning the guitar to a certain pitch can alter the sound significantly, and this offers plenty of opportunities for creative exploration.
In terms of studio recording, the E-flat tuning allows studio producers and engineers to gain a better understanding of how sounds mix together on recordings. The harmonious blend of guitars and vocals is particularly evident on ‘Lies’, with the low-tuned guitars fitting in perfectly with Axl Rose’s higher-pitched vocals. This allows modern musicians to capitalise on the tonal relationship between guitars and vocals, resulting in an improved final product which better captures the unique sound they are aiming for.
Influence on the music industry
Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Lies’ album also opened up the possibilities of combining different musical styles with the low E-flat tuning. The album combined the blues-inspired riffs of Slash with the hard rock tendencies of Axl Rose – a combination that has served as an inspiration for rock bands in the years since. The band experimented with different lyrical themes, ranging from the lighthearted ‘One In A Million’ to the darker ‘You’re Crazy’ and ‘Used To Love Her’. This indicates the plethora of possibilities that can exist within the genre when the correct tuning is used.
The lower tuning of E-flat has also been used to great effect by modern bands. For example, the grunge band Nirvana famously used this tuning when recording their ground-breaking album ‘Nevermind’. Artists like Linkin Park and Paramore have also experimented with E-flat tuning on their albums, enabling them to craft a unique sound which has resonated with listeners across the globe.
Technical considerations
Guitarists first need to understand the importance of correctly setting up a guitar with E-flat tuning. The addition of a sixth string can put serious strain on the neck of the guitar, so gauges should be set to compensate. Excessive string tension can also cause tuning problems, such as fret buzz, when playing at higher volumes. As such, light gauge strings must be used with E-flat tuning.
Guitarists will also need to re-learn their instrument in this tuning. Chords move around when changing between tunings, and guitarists will need to relearn the relevant shapes and scales. This is not a difficult task, however, as the guitar itself will remain in the same shape and position. With a bit of practice, guitarists can soon become comfortable in E-flat tuning, allowing them to create a range of sounds which are otherwise impossible in the standard tuning.
Getting the sound right
No matter what type of musical style guitarists want to recreate in E-flat, it is important to make sure that the sound is just right. This is where the skills of a sound engineer come in, as they can ensure that all the elements in the mix combine to create one unique sound. On the ‘Lies’ album, the sound engineer was able to bring out the harmonics of the E-flat tuning and combine this with Axl Rose’s vocals to create a unanimous sound.
For modern musicians, the sound engineer has to ensure that the guitar is the star of the show, working off the direction of the guitarist to bring out the best in the instrument. Everything from the guitar effects to the amp setting should be carefully considered, so as to capture the essence of the E-flat tuning. By paying attention to the finer details, the sound engineer can ensure that the final product reflects the full potential of the E-flat tuning.
Accessories and amplifiers
As with any genre of music, the right accessories and amplifiers can help to improve the sound of the E-flat tuning. For the ‘Lies’ album, Slash used a custom-built amplifier which utilised low-gain and high-gain transistors. He also used the Echoplex pre-amp to capture the full reverberation of the E-flat tuning. Similarly, modern guitarists should strive to find the right settings and accessories to get the most out of their guitars in this tuning.
It is also worth noting that guitar pickups play an important role in getting the best sound out of E-flat tuning. In the ‘Lies’ album, Slash used EMG pickups to ensure a strong signal and clear notes. For modern guitarists, guitar pickups can be tailored to suit the specific needs of the musician. Guitarists should be sure to test different pickups to find the one that suits the sound they are trying to create in E-flat tuning.
Conclusion of the music
Guns N’ Roses’ ‘Lies’ album was a ground-breaking release in 1988, with the band’s decision to use the E-flat tuning before any other band. This tuning has had a profound influence on the way music is recorded, making it easier for musicians to utilise the atmospheric qualities of the lower tunings to create unique sounds. The album has also been responsible for inspiring many artists to experiment with the tuning, enabling them to create new and exciting music. Thanks to the creativity and technical skill of Guns N’ Roses, E-flat tuning has become an integral part of the modern musical landscape.
