Verbal Analysis

This unique tuning, reportedly discovered by accident, transforms the guitar into a surprisingly versatile instrument. The significantly dropped low C string (C2) provides a powerful, dark, and resonant foundation, making it ideal for heavy riffs, atmospheric drones, or a bluesy growl. The presence of two A notes (A2 and A3) throughout the tuning creates a strong, consistent harmonic anchor that can be used for ringing drones or as a clear root for chord voicings. The overall feel encourages open, ringing sounds and the exploration of unconventional chord shapes, living up to its serendipitous origin. It offers a blend of deep, guttural possibilities and brighter, more open harmonic textures.

Technical Analysis

The tuning is structured as C2 A2 D3 G3 A3 E4, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string. This arrangement offers several distinct musical characteristics:

• Deep Foundation: The 6th string tuned to C2 is four semitones lower than standard E2. This creates an exceptionally low and robust bass note, perfectly suited for genres requiring a heavy bottom end like metal, hard rock, or drone music, providing immense sonic depth.
• C Major Pentatonic Potential: The open strings collectively offer the notes C, D, E, G, A (with an additional A on the 5th string). This means a C Major Pentatonic scale (C-D-E-G-A) is naturally available across the open strings, making C major and A minor tonalities particularly resonant and accessible.
• Accessible Open Chords and Harmonies:
  • A rich C Major chord can be formed using C (6th string), G (3rd string), and E (1st string). The open A strings can add a colorful, extended harmonic quality (e.g., Cmaj6/9no3 if all open strings are played).
  • An A Minor tonality is also readily available, with A (5th string), C (6th string), and E (1st string). The G (3rd string) can easily extend this to an Am7 voicing.
  • The interval between the 2nd (A3) and 1st (E4) strings is a perfect 5th, which makes forming open A5 power chords effortless and powerful.
  • The G3-A3 interval on the 3rd and 2nd strings forms a major second. This can introduce a 'sus2' flavor to chords or be creatively used for open, ringing drones and subtly dissonant voicings.
• Power Chord Dominance: With the deep C and the natural 5th interval on the higher strings, power chords will sound particularly thick, heavy, and are easily executed across the fretboard.

This tuning encourages a unique and experimental approach to playing, blending a powerful low end with bright, harmonically rich open string possibilities.

Tuning Notes Overview

• String 6 (Lowest): C2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: A3
• String 1 (Highest): E4

How to Tune

To achieve the 'C-A Pentatonic Drop' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones. Important: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant adjustment. For optimal string tension, intonation, and longevity, consider using a heavier gauge string for the low E.
• String 5 (A to A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G to G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B to A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (High E to E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).