The C Grand Resonance tuning is a profound and deeply resonant setup for the 7-string guitar, merging elements of extended-range instruments with the harmonic richness of open tunings. As described by its creator, it's "Something of an amalgamation of BDADGBE tuned down a step, married to the legendary DADGAD." This unique combination results in a tuning perfect for creating expansive soundscapes, heavy riffs, and intricate fingerstyle pieces.

Verbal Analysis

Imagine a tuning that feels both ancient and modern. 'C Grand Resonance' delivers a remarkably deep and open sound, largely due to the exceptionally low A1 on the 7th string and the pervasive C and G notes throughout the tuning. This creates a sonic canvas that is rich with potential for complex harmonies, droning bass lines, and soaring melodies. It excels in genres like progressive rock, metal, ambient music, and contemporary acoustic work where a wide dynamic range and resonant chord voicings are paramount. The overall mood is often grand, spacious, and contemplative, inviting players to explore new harmonic territories.

Technical Analysis

This 7-string guitar tuning features the following open notes, from lowest to highest:

• 7th String: A1
• 6th String: C2
• 5th String: G2
• 4th String: C3
• 3rd String: F3
• 2nd String: G3
• 1st String: C4

The open strings present a unique harmony. With C as a tonal center, the notes A, C, F, G create a suspended, modal quality, reminiscent of a Cmaj6add4 or a C11sus2 chord. The frequent repetition of C (C2, C3, C4) and G (G2, G3) across multiple octaves makes open power chords incredibly resonant and allows for powerful drone effects. The interval structure from lowest to highest is a compelling journey: Minor 3rd (A-C), Perfect 5th (C-G), Perfect 4th (G-C), Perfect 4th (C-F), Major 2nd (F-G), Perfect 4th (G-C). This arrangement encourages wide stretches and unique fingerings, leading to voicings that are often impossible in standard tuning.

Due to the layout, several chords become readily accessible or take on new character:

• Open C Chords: The abundance of C and G notes means open C major, C power chords, and C suspended variations will resonate powerfully, often with the rich F and A notes adding colour.
• Open F Chords: The C-F-G-C grouping on the higher strings lends itself beautifully to F major or Fsus2 chords, often with a C bass.
• A Minor/Power Chords: The deep A1 on the lowest string makes A minor or A power chords incredibly heavy and resonant, forming a solid foundation for any progression.
• Modal Explorations: The non-standard intervals naturally guide players towards modal harmonies, particularly those related to C Lydian or C Mixolydian, given the F and G presence.

How to Tune

To achieve C Grand Resonance, you will be tuning all strings down from their likely standard 7-string configuration. Please follow these movements carefully:

• 7th String: Tune down 2 semitones to A1.
• 6th String: Tune down 4 semitones to C2. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop; consider using a heavier gauge string if you plan to keep this tuning for extended periods.
• 5th String: Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String: Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String: Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• 2nd String: Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop; consider using a heavier gauge string if you plan to keep this tuning for extended periods.
• 1st String: Tune down 4 semitones to C4. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop; consider using a heavier gauge string if you plan to keep this tuning for extended periods.

Always ensure your guitar's intonation is checked after making significant tuning changes.

The C Grand Resonance tuning features the following open string notes:

String 7: A1

String 6: C2

String 5: G2

String 4: C3

String 3: F3

String 2: G3

String 1: C4