The 'C Open Ease' tuning, as its name suggests, is designed for comfort and accessibility, particularly for players who may experience difficulties with traditional chord shapes or stretches, such as those with arthritic hands. This tuning is explicitly noted as being "2 whole steps down from EEBEBE", which means it's a variation of a C-based open tuning, shifted significantly from standard EADGBe.

Technical Analysis

This is a rich open C major tuning, with the string configuration C-C-G-C-G-C across the six strings of the Guitar. When strummed open, all strings combine to form a full and resonant C Major chord. The fundamental C notes are present at C2, C3, and C4, while the G notes provide the perfect fifths at G2 and G3, creating a deeply harmonized sound. The repeated notes across different octaves (C2, C3, C3, C4 and G2, G3) establish a powerful drone, making this tuning well-suited for blues, folk, or experimental genres where a consistent root is desired.

Chords and Playability

• Open C Major: The most immediate benefit is the ability to play a full, vibrant C Major chord by simply strumming all open strings, requiring no fretting.
• Barre Chords: A key advantage for ease of play is that by barring all six strings at any single fret, you can effortlessly create other major chords. For instance, barring at the 1st fret yields a C# Major, at the 2nd fret a D Major, and so on. This significantly simplifies playing major chord progressions across the fretboard.
• Two and Three-Finger Chords: The simplified nature of the tuning means that many complex-sounding chords can be achieved with minimal finger movement. Experimenting with two or three fingers on adjacent strings can quickly lead to interesting harmonic voicings over the resonant C drone.
• Power Chords: Moving a single finger or two across strings in specific patterns will easily yield power chords (root-fifth-octave), especially on the lower strings, perfect for rock or heavy blues.
• Slide Guitar: The inherent open major chord quality makes this tuning exceptionally well-suited for slide guitar, allowing for smooth melodic phrases and full chord glides with minimal effort.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'C Open Ease' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments carefully:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; for optimal tension and tone, consider using a heavier gauge string than standard.)
• String 5 (A): Tune up 3 semitones to C3. (Note: Tuning up 3 semitones is a considerable increase in tension; proceed with caution to avoid string breakage, and consider a lighter gauge string if this tuning is used frequently.)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 7 semitones to G2. (Note: Tuning down 7 semitones is a very large adjustment, significantly reducing string tension. A much heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension, intonation, and prevent floppiness.)
• String 3 (G): Tune down 7 semitones to C3. (Note: Tuning down 7 semitones is a very large adjustment, significantly reducing string tension. A much heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension, intonation, and prevent floppiness.)
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; for optimal tension and tone, consider using a heavier gauge string than standard.)
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; for optimal tension and tone, consider using a heavier gauge string than standard.)

Given the substantial changes to string tension, particularly the large drops for strings 4 and 3, using a different gauge string set is highly recommended for the best playing experience, intonation stability, and to ensure the longevity of your strings and guitar.

String 6: C2

String 5: C3

String 4: G2

String 3: C3

String 2: G3

String 1: C4