Tuning Analysis: Kozelek's Caroline Cmaj7add6

Verbal Analysis

This unique tuning, prominently featured in Mark Kozelek's song "Caroline," opens up a deeply resonant and sophisticated soundscape. It's a tuning that evokes a sense of melancholic beauty and lush harmony, perfect for introspective fingerpicking or full, expressive strumming. The significant drops in the lowest strings create an almost orchestral depth, providing a solid, rumbling foundation, while the higher strings maintain familiar melodic reference points. This combination encourages both innovative voicings and accessible melodic development, offering a rich tonal palette that is both distinctive and emotionally evocative.

Technical Analysis

This is a modified open tuning for a standard Guitar, where the open strings are configured as C2-A2-C3-G3-B3-E4 (from the lowest to the highest string). This arrangement forms a complex, rich open chord that can be technically described as a C major 7th chord with an added 6th (Cmaj7add6 or C6/7). The root note (C) is strongly established across the 6th (C2) and 4th (C3) strings, providing a powerful fundamental. The 5th string carries the major 6th (A2), the 3rd string the perfect 5th (G3), the 2nd string the major 7th (B3), and the 1st string the major 3rd (E4). This intricate intervallic structure allows for a full, harmonious open strum that is both dense and clear, facilitating interesting drone possibilities and sophisticated harmonic movements.

Open Chords and Accessible Voicings:

• Open Strum: The open strings themselves form a beautiful Cmaj7add6 chord, offering a rich and contemplative starting point without fretting any notes.
• Barre Chords: By barring across any single fret, you can easily transpose this sophisticated voicing. For example, barring at the 5th fret yields an Fmaj7add6 (F-D-F-C-E-A).
• Power Chords: The strong presence of C and G on the lower strings (6th, 4th, 3rd) makes it easy to form powerful rock-style chords. By fretting the 5th string to align with the root or fifth (e.g., C at 3rd fret or G at 10th fret), you can create robust power chords.
• Melodic and Drone Possibilities: The open G3 and E4 strings provide excellent drone notes and bright melodic opportunities, contrasting with the deep C2 and C3 roots. The B3 (major 7th) allows for expressive leading tones and jazz-influenced voicings.

String 6 (Low E): Tuned down significantly to C2, this string provides the deepest, foundational bass note, giving the tuning its profound low end.

String 5 (A): Retains its standard A2 tuning, adding the major 6th to the overall harmonic structure.

String 4 (D): Tuned down from D to C3, it reinforces the root note an octave above the 6th string, adding to the richness of the C chord.

String 3 (G): Remains at its standard G3 tuning, serving as the perfect fifth in the open C chord voicing.

String 2 (B): Keeps its standard B3 tuning, contributing the expressive major seventh to the open chord.

String 1 (High E): The highest string stays at E4, providing the bright major third and the highest voice in the open chord.

How to Tune:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to reach C2. Caution advised: This is a substantial tuning adjustment. For regular use of this tuning, consider using a heavier gauge string for the 6th string to maintain optimal tension and prevent potential floppiness or intonation issues.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to reach C3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4.