Jännetuning

Jännetuning, also known as "jännityksen säätö" or "tension tuning," refers to a practice primarily associated with Finnish music, particularly within the black metal and doom metal scenes. The term originates from the Finnish word *jänne*, meaning "string," and is often used to describe the deliberate manipulation of guitar strings to alter their tension and thus the sound of an instrument. This technique is commonly employed to achieve a darker, heavier, or more atmospheric tone, which aligns with the aesthetic preferences of certain subgenres.

The process typically involves loosening or tightening guitar strings to create a lower, more resonant pitch or to introduce subtle harmonic distortions. Some musicians also experiment with partial tuning, where individual strings are tuned to different pitches to create dissonant or unconventional soundscapes. This method is often used in live performances to enhance the intensity of a song or to evoke a specific mood, such as melancholy or unease.

Jännetuning is not limited to guitars; it can also be applied to other stringed instruments like violins or cellos, though it is far less common. The practice has gained some notoriety due to its association with extreme music scenes, where it is sometimes used as a form of visual performance art. Critics argue that the technique can detract from traditional musicality, while proponents view it as a legitimate form of expression within niche genres.

While jännetuning is not widely adopted in mainstream music, it remains a distinctive feature of certain underground scenes, particularly in Finland. Its use reflects a broader trend in extreme metal of pushing the boundaries of instrumentation and sound manipulation to create unique auditory experiences.