The 'Paired C's E's and A's' tuning is a unique and highly structured tuning designed for powerful, resonant sounds, particularly well-suited for doubled power chords and clear octave playing. As described by its creator, the focus is on creating a rich, thick texture, especially on the higher strings, and simplifying octave movements on the lower C strings.

Technical Analysis

This tuning strategically pairs notes across octaves and unisons, offering a distinctive sonic palette:

• Strings 6 & 5 (C2, C3): These form an open octave, providing a deep, resonant foundation. Barring across these two strings instantly creates a powerful C octave, simplifying bassline construction and drone effects.
• Strings 4 & 3 (E3, E3): Tuned to a unison E, these strings are perfect for creating thick, sustained melodic lines or the core of robust power chords.
• Strings 2 & 1 (A3, A3): Also a unison pairing, these mirror the middle E strings, extending the capability for doubled melodic lines, the upper partials of chords, or punchy riffs.

The open strings (C2 C3 E3 E3 A3 A3) do not form a standard major or minor triad in a traditional sense, but their structure suggests rich harmonic possibilities. They present a C major triad with an added A (C-E-A), giving the open tuning an Am7/C or C6 flavour. This setup significantly reduces the complexity of finding intervals, making power chords and octave shapes exceptionally accessible. For instance, barring across the E3/E3 and A3/A3 strings creates a powerful E5 (E-A). The repeated notes and wide intervals lend themselves well to a strong, percussive, and drone-like playing style, ideal for heavy riffs and textured soundscapes.

String Gauge Considerations

• String 6 (E2 to C2): This string is tuned down 4 semitones. While often manageable on standard light-to-medium gauge sets, players might experience a slight decrease in tension and increased floppiness. For a tighter feel, a slightly heavier gauge could be considered.
• String 1 (E4 to A3): This string undergoes a substantial drop of 7 semitones. To maintain optimal tone, tension, and intonation, a significantly heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this position. Without it, the string will likely feel very loose and exhibit poor intonation.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Paired C's E's and A's' tuning from standard EADGBe (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4), follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E to C2): From its standard E2, Tune down 4 semitones.
• String 5 (A to C3): From its standard A2, Tune up 3 semitones.
• String 4 (D to E3): From its standard D3, Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G to E3): From its standard G3, Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 2 (B to A3): From its standard B3, Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (High E to A3): From its standard E4, Tune down 7 semitones. **A heavier gauge string is highly recommended for this substantial drop.**

String 6: C2 (Low C)

String 5: C3 (Mid C)

String 4: E3 (Low E)

String 3: E3 (Mid E)

String 2: A3 (Low A)

String 1: A3 (Mid A)