Tuning Analysis: extended range c standard mod

This unique guitar tuning, aptly named extended range c standard mod, is described as "great for progressive players". It represents a highly customized setup that pushes the boundaries of traditional guitar tunings by incorporating an exceptionally wide range of notes, from a very low C2 to a striking D5#.

Verbal Analysis

The most prominent feature of this tuning is its extended low end, with the 6th string tuned down to a deep C2. This provides a powerful, resonant foundation ideal for heavy riffs, open string chugs, and expansive soundscapes, characteristic of progressive and modern metal genres. The middle strings (5th, 4th, 3rd) are set to A2, D3, and A3, respectively. This A-D-A pattern creates an interesting open interval structure that can provide rich drone effects or imply suspended or open chord voicings. However, the tuning takes a dramatic and highly unusual turn on the higher strings. The 2nd string is set to an exceptionally high D5#, followed by a standard E4 on the 1st string. This creates a very tight, dissonant minor second interval (D#5 to E4) when played open, suggesting an intentional pursuit of tension, harmonic complexity, or specific melodic lines rather than conventional harmony. This radical jump in pitch for the 2nd string in particular indicates a highly experimental approach, likely requiring a very light gauge string, careful setup, and possibly even implying a non-standard starting point for that string or a potential typo in the target note given the described semitone movement from standard tuning.

Technical Analysis

Compared to standard EADGBe tuning, this setup features the following significant alterations:

• 6th String (Low E): Tuned down a major third (4 semitones) from E2 to C2.
• 5th String (A): Remains at its standard A2 pitch.
• 4th String (D): Remains at its standard D3 pitch.
• 3rd String (G): Tuned up a whole step (2 semitones) from G3 to A3.
• 2nd String (B): Tuned up 4 semitones from its standard B3 note, which would typically result in D4. However, the target note provided in the tuning definition is D5#. Achieving D5# from a standard B3 by tuning up only 4 semitones is impossible; D5# is an octave and a minor second (15 semitones) above B3, making it an extremely high pitch for a guitar string and a significant discrepancy from the indicated movement. This profound upward shift to D5# would generally require an entirely different, much lighter string gauge, or implies a starting point other than standard B3, or is a highly experimental setup.
• 1st String (High E): Remains at its standard E4 pitch.

The full set of open string notes is C2-A2-D3-A3-D#5-E4. The combination of C, A, D, A on the lower and mid-strings provides a foundation that hints at suspended or extended chords. For example, the C2-A2-D3-A3 could suggest an open Cmaj6add9 (C-E-G-A-D) sound (without the E and G), or an Am11 (A-C-E-G-B-D) with missing notes. However, the presence of D#5 and E4 creates a strong minor second interval, a very sharp dissonance, which makes forming conventional open chords across all strings extremely challenging and unlikely to be the primary intent. This tuning is likely optimized for specific melodic lines, arpeggios that leverage the wide range, and power chord formations on the lower strings, rather than broad, harmonious open voicings. The stark contrast between the low C and the very high D#5/E4 offers a vast sonic palette for innovative musical exploration and is particularly suited for players who embrace dissonance and extended range techniques.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'extended range c standard mod' tuning from standard EADGBe:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. Note: Tuning down 4 semitones significantly reduces string tension; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal playability and intonation.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 4 semitones from B3. This movement would result in D4. However, please note the target note for this tuning is specified as D5#. Achieving D5# from a standard B3 by tuning up only 4 semitones is impossible; D5# is an octave and a minor second higher. If D5# is your intended target, a much lighter string gauge designed for extreme high tension or an alternative starting pitch would be required. Tuning up 4 semitones (to D4) is already at the limit where a different gauge string is advised to prevent string breakage and ensure proper intonation.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at E4.

The open notes for this tuning are as follows:

• 6th String: C2
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: A3
• 2nd String: D5#
• 1st String: E4