About the 1924 Tuning

The "1924 Tuning" presents a rich, non-standard configuration for the guitar, shifting several strings significantly from standard EADGBe. This tuning is notable for its open, resonant character, particularly well-suited for styles like fingerpicking, slide guitar, or creating lush harmonic backdrops.

Technical Analysis

From the lowest to highest string, the tuning is C2-A2-C3-G3-G3-E4. This arrangement features a wide intervallic spread across the instrument. Key technical observations include:

• The open strings contain the notes C, A, G, E, forming a C major 6th chord (C-E-G-A).
• The intervals between strings are:
  • 6th to 5th string (C2 to A2): Major 6th (9 semitones)
  • 5th to 4th string (A2 to C3): Minor 3rd (3 semitones)
  • 4th to 3rd string (C3 to G3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
  • 3rd to 2nd string (G3 to G3): Unison (0 semitones)
  • 2nd to 1st string (G3 to E4): Major 6th (9 semitones)
• The most striking feature is the unison G3 on the 3rd and 2nd strings, which can create powerful drones and allow for easy double-stops or harmonic emphasis on the G note.
• The presence of two C notes (C2 and C3) and two G notes (G3 and G3) firmly grounds the tuning in a C major tonality.

Chordal Possibilities

The open strings of the 1924 Tuning inherently form a beautiful and resonant chord:

• Open Cmaj6: Strumming all open strings (C-A-C-G-G-E) produces a full C major 6th chord, providing a rich, immediate harmonic foundation without any fretting.

Due to the unique string relationships, several chord shapes become readily accessible:

• Movable Maj6 Chords: By simply barring all strings across any fret, you can easily transpose the open Cmaj6 chord to other major 6th chords (e.g., bar at the 1st fret for C#maj6, 2nd fret for Dmaj6). This makes modal exploration straightforward.
• Power Chords: The presence of C2, C3, and two G3s makes powerful C5 (C-G) and G5 (G-D, if D is fretted) chords very strong and resonant, especially on the lower strings.
• Drone and Melody: The unison G3 strings are perfect for maintaining a drone while playing melodies on the higher E string or bass lines on the lower C and A strings.
• Fingerstyle Exploration: The wide intervals and open chord voicings lend themselves well to intricate fingerstyle arrangements, offering unique harmonic textures.

How to Tune

To achieve the 1924 Tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; for optimal tension and tone, especially if playing frequently in this tuning, a heavier gauge string is advised.)
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; for optimal tension and tone, especially if playing frequently in this tuning, a heavier gauge string is advised.)
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Here are the specific notes for each string in the 1924 Tuning, from lowest (6th) to highest (1st):

String 6: C2

String 5: A2

String 4: C3

String 3: G3

String 2: G3

String 1: E4