C A C Resonator Tuning Analysis

This is an analysis of the "C A C Resonator" tuning for a Guitar, described as "Another Alteration." within the provided tuning data.

Verbal Analysis

The C A C Resonator tuning presents a deeply resonant and somewhat melancholic soundscape, primarily driven by its unique low C-A-C string configuration. It moves away from standard open chord tunings, offering a more atmospheric and spacious feel. The arrangement of notes, particularly the repeated C and A, creates a sense of drone and sustain, making it ideal for fingerstyle, ambient music, or heavy rhythmic patterns that benefit from a broad, open sound. The significant drop on the lowest string to C gives the instrument a powerful, guttural foundation, expanding its sonic range downwards.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to C2-A2-C3-G3-A3-E4 (low to high). Compared to standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, this setup involves significant alterations, particularly on the 6th, 4th, and 2nd strings.

• String 6 (low E) is tuned down four semitones to C2.
• String 5 (A) remains at A2.
• String 4 (D) is tuned down two semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G) remains at G3.
• String 2 (B) is tuned down two semitones to A3.
• String 1 (high E) remains at E4.

The intervals between the open strings are:

• C2 to A2: Major 6th (10 semitones)
• A2 to C3: Minor 3rd (3 semitones)
• C3 to G3: Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• G3 to A3: Major 2nd (2 semitones)
• A3 to E4: Perfect 5th (7 semitones)

Strumming all open strings in this tuning produces the notes C, A, G, E across various octaves. This combination creates a rich A minor 7th chord (A-C-E-G) or a C Major 6th chord (C-E-G-A), offering a sophisticated harmonic palette without any fretting. The prominent C-A-C low end provides a solid foundation for these voicings.

Chordal Opportunities

Due to the open Am7/Cmaj6 voicing, many chords become readily accessible or take on new characteristics:

• Open A minor 7th / C Major 6th: As noted, simply strumming all strings yields these complex, yet pleasing, chords.
• Power Chords: The lowest three strings (C2-A2-C3) can form powerful, resonant drone chords. More simply, the C2-C3-G3 (6th, 4th, 3rd strings) form a potent C5 power chord, ideal for heavy riffs and open, ringing bass lines.
• Sus Chords: The presence of A and C (a minor third) and C and G (a perfect fifth) on the lower strings allows for easy construction of suspended chords and open, airy voicings.
• Drone Effects: The low C and the repeated C and A notes across octaves facilitate drone playing, creating sustained, evolving soundscapes.

How to Tune

To achieve the C A C Resonator tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (Note: Tuning this string down 4 semitones is significant. If your string gauge is too light, you might experience buzzing or intonation issues. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal performance.)
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

String 6: C2
String 5: A2
String 4: C3
String 3: G3
String 2: A3
String 1: E4