Based on your description, this tuning, which we'll call "Shoegaze Open CADGCD", is a fascinating and atmospheric setup, clearly designed for lush, resonant soundscapes. Your original observation that it's "messing around with tunings on my guitar and came across this interesting variation for shoegaze inspired music. works well on acoustic too" perfectly encapsulates its character.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning immediately strikes the ear with its wide, open voicings and deep resonance. The lowest string drops significantly to C2, providing a powerful, almost orchestral bass foundation. The three middle strings (A, D, G) remain in standard tuning, offering a familiar landscape within a unique sonic environment. The B string is nudged up to C4, creating an octave with the low C, while the high E string is lowered to D4. This creates an open chord of C-A-D-G-C-D.

When strummed open, this tuning produces a rich, suspended-like chord. Technically, it's a C6/9 without a major third, or alternatively, an Am7(add4). This ambiguity is key to its "shoegaze" appeal, allowing for dreamy, non-committal harmonies that can float and evolve. The repeated C notes (C2 and C4) act as strong anchors, while the A, D, and G provide beautiful extensions and color. The high D adds a shimmering quality, creating interesting tension and release when combined with the C notes. The overall impression is one of expansive space, drone-like qualities, and melancholic beauty perfect for atmospheric genres.

Technical Analysis

Compared to standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, "Shoegaze Open CADGCD" makes the following alterations:

• String 6 (Low E): Tuned down a major third (4 semitones) to C2. This is a significant drop, providing deep bass.
• Strings 5, 4, 3 (A, D, G): Remain at standard pitch (A2, D3, G3). This maintains familiarity in the middle register.
• String 2 (B): Tuned up a semitone to C4. This creates a powerful octave with the low C.
• String 1 (High E): Tuned down a whole step (2 semitones) to D4. This introduces a sweet, open high note.

The open strings (C-A-D-G-C-D) form a C6/9 chord with omitted 3rd. This means:

• C (Root) on 6th string.
• A (Major 6th) on 5th string.
• D (Major 9th / Major 2nd) on 4th string.
• G (Perfect 5th) on 3rd string.
• C (Octave) on 2nd string.
• D (Major 9th / Major 2nd) on 1st string.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Shoegaze Open CADGCD" tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones (a Major 3rd) to C2. Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; for optimal tone and string tension, consider a heavier gauge string for the low E if you plan to use this tuning frequently.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones (a whole step) to D4.

String 6 (Lowest): C2 - Tuned down from E, this provides a deep, resonant foundation, giving the tuning its low-end power.

String 5: A2 - Retained from standard tuning, offering a familiar anchor point for chords and melodies.

String 4: D3 - Also retained from standard tuning, contributing to the middle register's familiarity and stability.

String 3: G3 - The final string kept at its standard pitch, rounding out the core of the tuning.

String 2: C4 - Tuned up from B, this note creates a powerful octave with the low C, adding brightness and reinforcing the root.

String 1 (Highest): D4 - Tuned down from E, this sweet, open note provides a shimmering high end, creating a major second interval with the adjacent C string.