Tuning Overview: Open C Inversion Explorer

This intriguing tuning, affectionately described by its creator as a "variation of open C that I just started screwing around with," is a testament to the creative possibilities that lie beyond standard guitar tunings. The 'Open C Inversion Explorer' is a deeply resonant and harmonically rich open tuning, designed to immerse the player in the full, expansive sound of C Major.

Verbal Analysis:

Prepare for a truly lush and powerful sound when playing in this tuning. With all open strings ringing out a C Major chord (C-C-E-G-C-E), it's perfectly suited for full-bodied strumming, slide guitar, and rich harmonic textures. The double C notes on the two lowest strings provide an incredible foundation, offering a unique drone and depth that feels both grounding and expansive. This tuning encourages a very intuitive approach to playing, where simply barring a single fret across all strings will instantly yield a new major chord. For instance, barring the 2nd fret will give you a bright D Major, while the 5th fret will open up a G Major. It's an excellent choice for songwriters looking for new voicings, folk and blues players exploring open chord structures, or anyone seeking to unlock a more resonant and powerful sound from their instrument.

Technical Analysis:

• Open Chord: The open strings form a complete C Major chord: C2-C3-E3-G3-C4-E4. This provides a full, unmuted C Major harmony without any fretting.
• Root Focus: Unlike some Open C tunings that place a G (fifth) on the 5th string, this "inversion" doubles down on the root, featuring C2 on the 6th string and C3 on the 5th string. This creates a very strong fundamental C presence.
• Interval Structure:
  • String 6 (C2) to String 5 (C3): Perfect Octave (P8)
  • String 5 (C3) to String 4 (E3): Major Third (M3)
  • String 4 (E3) to String 3 (G3): Minor Third (m3)
  • String 3 (G3) to String 2 (C4): Perfect Fourth (P4)
  • String 2 (C4) to String 1 (E4): Major Third (M3)
• Chordal Opportunities: Beyond the open C Major, this tuning excels at creating major chords across the neck by simply barring. Power chords are readily available on the lower strings (e.g., C5 on strings 6 and 5, or G5 on strings 4 and 3 when barred at the 3rd fret). The consistent major third interval on the top two strings (C4 to E4) also facilitates melodic runs within the C Major scale.

This tuning offers a rich canvas for exploration, particularly for those who enjoy the resonant qualities of open tunings and are looking for a C Major sound with exceptional depth and sustain.

Tuning Notes

• String 6 (Low E String): C2
• String 5 (A String): C3
• String 4 (D String): E3
• String 3 (G String): G3
• String 2 (B String): C4
• String 1 (High E String): E4

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the 'Open C Inversion Explorer' tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, carefully adjust each string as follows. Please exercise caution, especially with larger pitch changes, and consider using a different gauge string if advised.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. If your guitar struggles to hold tension or intonation, a heavier gauge string might be beneficial.)
• String 5 (A): Tune up 3 semitones to C3. (Note: Tuning up 3 semitones is a notable increase in tension. Ensure your string can handle it, or consider a lighter gauge string if frequently using this tuning to prevent breakages.)
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• 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): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Always use a reliable tuner and tune slowly to prevent string breakage, especially when tuning up.