This unique tuning, which we've named "Open C Blues Strum", is designed specifically for the Cigar Box Guitar. It creates a rich, resonant sound that's perfect for blues, folk, and roots music. With its open chord structure, it invites expressive slide playing and simplifies the fingering of many common chords.

Verbal Analysis

When strummed open, this tuning presents a bright and full sound. The arrangement of notes (C-C-E-A-C-E) essentially forms an open C major chord with an added A (the 6th). This gives it a versatile feel, leaning towards a C6 or even an Am7 sound. This makes it incredibly playable for basic chord progressions – just by barring a single fret, you can achieve a range of major and minor chords. For example, barring at the 5th fret will give you a beautiful F major chord, and at the 7th fret, a G major. Its natural resonance and the easy access to full chords make it an excellent choice for vocal accompaniment or instrumental melodies.

Technical Analysis

The tuning notes are C2, C3, E3, A3, C4, E4. From the lowest string, the intervals create a compound chord: a unison (C3), a Major 3rd (E3), a Major 6th (A3), an octave (C4), and a Major 10th (E4) above the fundamental C2. This structure implies an Open C6 chord (C-E-G-A) without the G, or an Am7 chord (A-C-E-G) also without the G. The absence of the fifth (G) allows for more melodic flexibility while retaining the harmonic richness of a major tonality with a hint of minor due to the A. This type of open tuning is extremely forgiving and encourages experimentation, especially for slide guitar techniques.

How to Tune

Here's how to set your Cigar Box Guitar to the "Open C Blues Strum" tuning. Please refer to the target notes for accuracy. When tuning significantly up or down (exceeding 4 semitones in either direction), consider a change in string gauge to prevent breakage or poor intonation.

• String 6 (Lowest C): Tune down 4 semitones to reach C2. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string may be advised for optimal tension and tone.)
• String 5: Tune up 3 semitones to reach C3. (Note: Tuning up 3 semitones is a moderate change. Ensure your string can handle the increased tension.)
• String 4: Tune up 2 semitones to reach E3.
• String 3: Tune up 2 semitones to reach A3.
• String 2: Tune up 1 semitone to reach C4.
• String 1 (Highest E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at E4.

String 6: C2 (Lowest string, tuned significantly down)

String 5: C3

String 4: E3

String 3: A3

String 2: C4

String 1: E4 (Highest string)