Tuning Analysis: Taylor Swift's 'Call It What You Want' Drop C A

This distinctive tuning, known as Drop C with A, gained prominence from Taylor Swift's SNL performance of 'Call It What You Want'. It crafts a unique sonic identity, blending the profound depth of a dropped lower register with intriguing melodic intervals on the higher strings, diverging significantly from standard guitar tuning.

Verbal Analysis

The immediate impression of this tuning is its remarkably deep and resonant low C, establishing a powerful and often melancholic foundation akin to traditional Drop C tunings. However, its true character emerges from the interplay of the unchanged A and G strings with the specific alterations on the B (now C) and high E (now D) strings. The resultant open string voicing is rich, full, and harmonically ambiguous, lending itself to lush, atmospheric textures. It's a tuning that feels both weighty and melodically intricate, facilitating powerful open-string riffs while simultaneously unlocking unexpected harmonic avenues for arpeggios and unique melodic lines. This setup likely served to underscore the song's emotional depth and to provide a distinct sonic backdrop that complements the vocal delivery of Taylor Swift's performance.

Technical Analysis

• Open Notes: C2 - A2 - C3 - G3 - C4 - D4 (from low E to high E string)
• Root Note and Intervals: With C2 on the 6th string serving as the de facto root, the open tuning presents the following intervals:
  • String 6 (C2): Root
  • String 5 (A2): Major 6th above the root C
  • String 4 (C3): Octave above the root C
  • String 3 (G3): Perfect 5th above the root C
  • String 2 (C4): Two octaves above the root C
  • String 1 (D4): Major 9th (or Major 2nd) above the root C
• Harmonic Interpretation: The open strings (C-A-C-G-C-D) form a C-based chord that is not a straightforward major or minor triad. The prominent presence of C and G across multiple strings (6, 4, 3, 2: C2-C3-G3-C4) firmly establishes a C tonic. The inclusion of A2 and D4 suggests an extended harmony, effectively creating a C6/9 chord (C E G A D) but with the E omitted. This imparts a rich, open, and slightly suspended quality, making it versatile for various musical contexts.
• Chordal Possibilities:
  • Open Chords: Playing all open strings yields a resonant, full voicing that can be perceived as a C6/9 chord. The strong C-G-C-C octaves and fifths across strings 6, 4, 3, and 2 provide a very powerful open C5 chord.
  • Power Chords: The setup on the lower strings (C-A-C-G) is conducive to powerful, low-end riffs. While strings 6 and 5 form a major 6th, strings 6, 4, and 3 (C-C-G) perfectly align to create accessible power chords. A single-finger barre across these three strings at any fret will easily produce a strong X5 chord (e.g., barring the 3rd fret on strings 6, 4, and 3 yields an Eb5).
  • Unique Voicings: The unconventional intervals between certain string pairs (e.g., a major 6th from string 6 to 5, and a major 2nd from string 2 to 1) mean that familiar chord shapes from standard tuning will produce entirely new sounds, opening up fresh harmonic possibilities and encouraging creative fingerings.
• Playability: The significant drop in pitch for the low E and D strings (6th and 4th) results in a noticeable reduction in string tension, making these strings feel looser and easier to bend. The slight increase in tension for the B string (now C) is generally minimal. Overall, this tuning offers a unique palette for both driving rhythmic accompaniment and expressive melodic lines.

Tuning Details: Taylor Swift's 'Call It What You Want' Drop C A

• String 6 (Low E String): Tune down to C2.
• String 5 (A String): Keep at A2.
• String 4 (D String): Tune down to C3.
• String 3 (G String): Keep at G3.
• String 2 (B String): Tune up to C4.
• String 1 (High E String): Tune down to D4.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

Follow these precise steps to adjust your guitar from standard EADGBe tuning to Taylor Swift's 'Call It What You Want' Drop C A:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. Caution: Tuning this string down 4 semitones (or more) significantly reduces string tension. For optimal playability, intonation, and to avoid string floppiness if used regularly, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.