Verbal Analysis:

This unique guitar tuning, famously used by Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls for his song "Always Know Where You Are" from Disney's Treasure Planet, creates a remarkably open and resonant soundscape. The abundance of C notes across the lower and middle strings, combined with the two G notes, gives this tuning a very full and powerful character. It’s particularly well-suited for big, ringing chords and arpeggiated melodic lines, allowing for a drone-like quality reminiscent of folk or rock anthems. The open sound encourages a more percussive or strumming approach, where the natural resonance of the strings can truly shine.

Technical Analysis:

The open tuning features the notes C2-C3-C3-G3-C4-G4. This arrangement primarily consists of the root (C) and the perfect fifth (G) of a C Major chord, essentially creating a wide-spanning C5 power chord. The lack of a major or minor third (E or Eb) makes this tuning incredibly versatile, as it doesn't commit to a specific tonality until a third is introduced by fretting. This 'suspended' quality allows for both major and minor ideas to be explored with relative ease over the C-G foundation.

• The lowest three strings (C2, C3, C3) provide an incredibly deep and rich foundation, with two octaves and a unison C, creating a massive low end.
• The G3 on the 3rd string provides the perfect fifth, anchoring the harmony.
• The C4 on the 2nd string reinforces the root an octave higher.
• The highest string, G4, again provides the perfect fifth, completing the C5 voicing across the entire range of the guitar.

This tuning makes it exceptionally easy to play power chords by simply barring across the lower strings. Open major and minor chords in C are easily accessible by adding the appropriate third (E or Eb) on a fretted string. For instance, barring all strings at the 5th fret would give you an F5 power chord, and at the 7th fret, a G5. The tuning naturally lends itself to creating expansive, sustained chords and open string drones, making it ideal for powerful strumming patterns and melodic playing that utilizes the open strings for resonance.

How to Tune:

To achieve the 'C C C G C G' tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones. This is a significant drop. A different gauge string is advised for such a profound drop to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• String 5 (A to C3): Tune up 3 semitones. Take care as tuning up 3 semitones can put extra tension on the string, especially if it's an older or thinner gauge string.
• String 4 (D to C3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G to G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B to C4): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 1 (High E to G4): Tune up 3 semitones. Take care as tuning up 3 semitones can put extra tension on the string, especially if it's an older or thinner gauge string.

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

String 6: C2

String 5: C3

String 4: C3

String 3: G3

String 2: C4

String 1: G4