This tuning, aptly named "Double C Open F," offers a deeply resonant and expansive sound, diverging significantly from standard guitar voicings. As the original description suggests, it's a tuning that sounds "nice trying to learn new chords on it," encouraging creative exploration and the discovery of unique harmonic textures. It's particularly well-suited for ambient soundscapes, folk, or indie genres where a rich, drone-like foundation and unexpected chord voicings are desired. The prominent C and F notes create a sense of openness and sustain, inviting open strumming, arpeggios, and slide techniques.

Technical Analysis:

The open string notes for this tuning are: C2 C3 F3 G3 C4 F4 (from low to high string).

• Overall Chordal Structure: The open strings collectively form a rich C suspended 4th chord (Csus4). The primary notes present are C, F, and G, creating a sound that is both full and slightly open or unresolved, providing a versatile harmonic canvas that avoids a simple major or minor feel.
• Interval Breakdown (from low to high string):
  • String 6 (C2) to String 5 (C3): A perfect octave (12 semitones). This wide interval in the bass provides a powerful, deep foundation.
  • String 5 (C3) to String 4 (F3): A perfect fourth (5 semitones).
  • String 4 (F3) to String 3 (G3): A major second (2 semitones). This tight interval creates a distinct melodic flavor and tension.
  • String 3 (G3) to String 2 (C4): A perfect fourth (5 semitones).
  • String 2 (C4) to String 1 (F4): A perfect fourth (5 semitones).
• Chordal Implications and Reach:
  • The inherent Csus4 quality means that simply strumming the open strings yields a full, resonant chord.
  • The repeated perfect fourths on the higher strings (G-C-F from strings 3-1) create opportunities for easily accessible suspended or power chords by barring across these strings.
  • Chords closely related to C major (C-E-G), F major (F-A-C), and G major (G-B-D) should be relatively accessible, as the open tuning already contains C, F, and G notes. For instance, an F major chord can be easily implied or formed by leveraging the F notes on strings 4 and 1, and the C notes on strings 6, 5, and 2.
  • The wide interval between the two lowest C strings provides a rich, organ-like drone effect.

How to Tune to Double C Open F

This section outlines the steps to adjust your guitar from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) to the Double C Open F tuning. Please take care when making significant changes to string tension.

• String 6 (Low E to C2): Tune this string down 4 semitones from its standard E2 to C2. This is a significant drop; please detune slowly and carefully to avoid string or neck issues.
• String 5 (A to C3): Tune this string up 3 semitones from its standard A2 to C3. Tuning up increases tension, so proceed gradually and listen to the string's response to prevent snapping.
• String 4 (D to F3): Tune this string up 3 semitones from its standard D3 to F3. Similar to String 5, this is a notable increase in tension; tune slowly and carefully.
• String 3 (G to G3): Keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains at G3.
• String 2 (B to C4): Tune this string up 1 semitone from its standard B3 to C4. This is a small, manageable adjustment.
• String 1 (High E to F4): Tune this string up 1 semitone from its standard E4 to F4. Another minor adjustment.

Important Note on String Tension: While none of the individual string adjustments exceed 4 semitones up or down, the changes on String 5 and String 4 (tuning up 3 semitones each) are substantial. Always tune slowly and be mindful of your guitar's neck and string gauge. If you plan to use this tuning frequently, or if you notice any unusual tension on your guitar's neck, you might consider adjusting your string gauges to optimize tension and playability for these new notes, especially for the upward-tuned strings.