Verbal Analysis

Known affectionately as the 'Cabbage' tuning, this arrangement for a 6-string guitar takes an unconventional path, offering a soundscape that is both quirky and deeply resonant. It's designed to inspire unique chord voicings and melodic ideas, moving away from standard conventions to explore a more open, bluesy, or even jazzy territory. The original description hints at its 'funny' nature, and indeed, the unexpected intervals between open strings can lead to surprising harmonies and textures, perfect for experimental playing or crafting distinct sonic moods.

This tuning has a slightly dark, brooding quality due to the significantly lowered bass notes and the somewhat dissonant semitone interval between the 4th (A# / Bb) and 3rd (A) strings. However, this dissonance is not jarring but rather adds a rich harmonic complexity. It's excellent for open-string drones, slide guitar, or fingerstyle where the unique intervals can be highlighted. Players looking for a tuning that breaks the mold and pushes creative boundaries will find a lot to love here.

Technical Analysis

The 'The Verdant Chord' tuning for a 6-string guitar sets the open strings to C2-A2-A#3-A3-G3-E4 (from lowest to highest). Analysing these notes reveals a sophisticated harmonic structure. The open strings, when played together, predominantly form a C Major 6 with a flat 7th (Cmaj6b7) chord — specifically, C-E-G-A-Bb. This chord quality immediately suggests blues, jazz, or even fusion applications, providing a rich, full sound without fretting.

• The deep C2 on the 6th string provides a strong root, grounding the entire tuning.
• The A2 on the 5th string acts as the major 6th in a Cmaj6b7 context, adding depth and a familiar interval.
• The unique feature is the closely spaced A#3 (Bb3) and A3 on strings 4 and 3 respectively. This semitone interval is highly resonant and can be used for striking drones, bluesy bends, or creating a distinctive harmonic tension that defines the tuning.
• The G3 on the 2nd string provides the perfect 5th to C, anchoring the chord with harmonic stability.
• The E4 on the 1st string completes the major triad, offering a bright, clear top voice and the major third of C.

This tuning facilitates several open chord shapes and encourages experimentation beyond standard voicings. For instance, simply barring across various frets can yield interesting dominant 7th or major 6th qualities due to the inherent intervals. Chords that would typically require complex fingerings in standard tuning might become more accessible. The close proximity of A#3 and A3 means that while some traditional major/minor shapes will be disrupted, new, intriguing voicings will emerge, particularly for suspended chords, clusters, or chords with added tensions. This setup is particularly effective for slide guitar, allowing for full, resonant chords with ease, and is ripe for exploring modal melodies over its unique harmonic foundation.

Open String Notes

• String 6 (Lowest String): C2 — This lowest string provides a deep, resonant foundation, shifting the root of your open chords considerably lower and giving a powerful, almost orchestral bass.
• String 5: A2 — An octave above the standard A, this note contributes a full, earthy tone that complements the C2, forming a natural minor third interval from the 6th string.
• String 4: A#3 (Bb3) — This is one of the most distinctive notes in the tuning, creating a striking semitone relationship with the adjacent 3rd string (A3). It adds a bluesy edge and harmonic tension to the open sound.
• String 3: A3 — Positioned immediately next to A#3, this note creates a very tight, resonant dissonance that can be used for drone effects or unique melodic opportunities. It's an octave higher than the 5th string.
• String 2: G3 — This note brings back a sense of conventional harmony, acting as the perfect fifth to a C chord, providing stability and a familiar harmonic anchor amidst the more unusual intervals.
• String 1 (Highest String): E4 — Remaining at its standard pitch, this note brightly completes the open chord structure, providing the major third of C and a clear, singing top voice.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve 'The Verdant Chord' tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these steps. Please note that several strings involve significant tuning adjustments. For changes of -4 or +4 semitones or more, it is generally advised to consider using a different gauge string to ensure optimal tension and prevent potential damage to your guitar or strings.

• String 6 (Low E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones. (From E to C) Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is recommended.
• String 5 (A to A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). (From A to A)
• String 4 (D to A#3 / Bb3): Tune down 4 semitones. (From D to A# / Bb) Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is recommended.
• String 3 (G to A3): Tune up 2 semitones. (From G to A)
• String 2 (B to G3): Tune down 4 semitones. (From B to G) Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is recommended.
• String 1 (High E to E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). (From E to E)