The CADEBE tuning is an evocative and deeply resonant alternative tuning designed for atmospheric, 'dreamy noisy' soundscapes, particularly well-suited for genres like shoegaze and screamo. As the original description suggests, it is "perfect for open string playing," encouraging rich, droning textures without complex fretting.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning immediately stands out with its low, brooding C on the 6th string, providing a weighty foundation. The mix of standard-tuned and dropped strings creates a tension and release that can feel both dissonant and strangely beautiful. The presence of two E notes (E3 and E4) along with a B and an A creates a strong, open drone potential, allowing for shimmering, sustained chords. The overall character is expansive and wide, encouraging a textural approach to playing rather than strict chord voicings. It excels at creating wall-of-sound effects, ringing out with a complex blend of major, minor, and suspended qualities, ideal for layering with effects pedals.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for the CADEBE tuning are C2 A2 D3 E3 B3 E4, from the 6th (lowest) to the 1st (highest) string. This deviates significantly from standard EADGBe tuning.

• The 6th string (Low E) is dropped a significant 4 semitones to C2.
• The 3rd string (G) is dropped 3 semitones to E3.
• The 5th (A), 4th (D), 2nd (B), and 1st (High E) strings remain at their standard pitches.

Analyzing the intervals:

• C2-A2: Major 6th (a wide and open interval)
• A2-D3: Perfect 4th
• D3-E3: Major 2nd
• E3-B3: Perfect 5th
• B3-E4: Perfect 4th

The collection of open notes – C, A, D, E, B – can be interpreted in several ways. Strummed openly, it forms a complex, extended chord that is neither purely major nor minor. It contains the notes for an A minor triad (A-C-E) with additional B (9th) and D (11th), making it an Am(add9, add11) chord (without the G). Alternatively, viewing C as a root, it forms a Cmaj7(add6, add9) (C-E-B with A and D, but no G). This harmonic ambiguity is a key feature, allowing for rich, evolving textures. The two E notes (E3, E4) across different octaves provide a strong and stable harmonic center, perfect for sustaining atmospheric pads or driving rhythmic pulses.

Due to the combination of standard intervals on the higher strings (E3-B3-E4 contains a P5 and a P4, similar to standard tuning's G-B-E, but shifted) and the radically altered lower strings, familiar chord shapes will require significant re-learning. However, the open tuning itself offers a powerful and unique open chord, and barre chords across all strings will generate consistent harmonic shifts, making it excellent for experimenting with modal textures and powerful, full-frequency attacks.

How to Tune to CADEBE

To achieve the CADEBE tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop. If your guitar struggles with intonation or string tension at this pitch, consider using a heavier gauge string for the low C.)
• 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 down 3 semitones from G3 to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at E4.

Remember to always tune carefully and ensure your instrument is properly intonated after changing tunings significantly.

The notes for the CADEBE tuning, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string, are as follows:

• String 6: C2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: E3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: E4