Overall Description:
Experimenting with lower tuned stuff on a Gibson length, dreadnaught,13-56 daddario set, if starting from E standard make sure to detune your guitar entirely let it rest a few minutes and then tune up, that will let the strings relax enough that they should pull more taught if you're having issues with it being too slack. (Don't forget to stretch your strings a little once you're in tune, repeat until stable :))

Verbal Analysis

This is an exceptionally low and rich tuning, optimized for a deep, resonant sound. The initial string choice of a 13-56 D'Addario set, as suggested, is crucial and points towards a pursuit of tension and clarity even at these significantly lowered pitches. The tuning naturally fosters a dark, almost brooding quality, with a soundscape that could lend itself beautifully to genres requiring a heavy, atmospheric foundation, such as doom metal, progressive rock, or even ambient compositions where a low, sustained drone is desired. The instruction to detune entirely and then tune up is vital for string stability, indicating the significant tension changes involved in achieving these low notes.

Technical Analysis

This tuning, aptly named "Mkj C#7sus4," effectively creates a C#7sus4 chord across its open strings, specifically (from 6th to 1st string): B1 (minor 7th of C#), C#3 (root), G#3 (perfect 5th), C#4 (root), F#4 (suspended 4th), B3 (minor 7th of C#). The lowest string, B1, places a crucial chord tone below the root, providing a deep, growling fundamental that underpins the full C#7sus4 voicing. The arrangement of the notes across the fretboard offers compelling harmonic and melodic possibilities:

• Open Chord: Striking all open strings produces a rich and full C#7sus4 chord. This chord features a root (C#), perfect 4th (F#), perfect 5th (G#), and minor 7th (B). The duplicated roots and minor 7ths across different octaves add significant depth and resonance.
• Power Chords: The low B1 and C#3 allow for very deep and powerful root-5th chords, especially around the 6th and 5th strings. For example, fretting the 6th string at the 2nd fret for C# will create a C# power chord with the open C# on the 5th string and G# on the 4th string, providing a massive, low-end foundation.
• Sus4 Voicings: The inherent sus4 (F#) in the open tuning makes voicings built around this interval readily available and gives the tuning a distinctive, open, and somewhat unresolved sound, ripe for dramatic tension.
• Drone Potential: The low B1 and the repeated C# and B notes across octaves lend themselves exceptionally well to droning techniques, providing a thick, sustained sonic bed for melodic lines or rhythmic explorations on higher strings.
• Parallel Voicings: The middle strings (4th, 3rd, 2nd: G#3, C#4, F#4) are tuned in successive perfect 4ths. This configuration is excellent for easily creating parallel power chords or quartal voicings by barring across these strings, offering modern and open-sounding harmonic textures.

How to Tune (Starting from E Standard)

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones from E2 to B1. *(Caution: This is a significant drop in pitch; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tone and tension.)*
• 5th String (A): Tune down 8 semitones from A2 to C#3. *(Caution: This is a very substantial drop in pitch; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tone and tension.)*
• 4th String (D): Tune down 6 semitones from D3 to G#3. *(Caution: This is a significant drop in pitch; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tone and tension.)*
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 6 semitones from G3 to C#4. *(Caution: This is a significant drop in pitch; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tone and tension.)*
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 5 semitones from B3 to F#4. *(Caution: This is a significant drop in pitch; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tone and tension.)*
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 5 semitones from E4 to B3. *(Caution: This is a significant drop in pitch; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal tone and tension.)*

As noted in the tuning description, it is crucial to detune your guitar entirely first, allow the strings to rest for a few minutes, and then carefully tune up to the target notes. Stretching the strings gently after tuning will help them stabilize and hold pitch more consistently.

6th String (Low E string equivalent): B1
5th String (A string equivalent): C#3
4th String (D string equivalent): G#3
3rd String (G string equivalent): C#4
2nd String (B string equivalent): F#4
1st String (High E string equivalent): B3