Verbal Analysis

"C D F G C G" is a deeply resonant and expansive low-C based tuning that offers a powerful, rich, and somewhat dark sound due to its exceptionally low register. The open C and G notes across multiple octaves create a strong, almost drone-like foundation, making it ideal for creating atmospheric soundscapes, heavy riffs, and deeply textured chord voicings. The inclusion of D and F without a traditional major or minor third gives this tuning a distinct modal or suspended quality, preventing it from sounding immediately major or minor and offering a more ambiguous and versatile harmonic palette. It's particularly well-suited for genres requiring immense sonic weight, open-string arpeggios, and fingerstyle playing where maximum resonance is desired. The wide intervals and low notes can inspire unique melodic ideas and chord shapes that are difficult to achieve in standard tuning, inviting players to explore new musical territories.

Technical Analysis

This guitar tuning sets the strings to the following notes, from low (6th) to high (1st): C2 - D2 - F2 - G2 - C3 - G3. Analyzing the intervals from the lowest C string:

• The 6th string (C2) serves as the root.
• The 5th string (D2) is a Major 2nd above the root (C).
• The 4th string (F2) is a Perfect 4th above the root (C).
• The 3rd string (G2) is a Perfect 5th above the root (C).
• The 2nd string (C3) is an octave above the root (C).
• The 1st string (G3) is a Perfect 5th an octave higher than the 3rd string, or a Perfect 12th from the root (C).

The open strings form a resonant C suspended 2nd and 4th voicing (C-D-F-G-C-G). This strong C-G octaves and fifths foundation, augmented by the D and F, creates a powerful, full, and slightly dissonant yet highly musical sound. While not a conventional major or minor chord, the open tuning offers rich, suspended voicings. Due to the consistent low register and the prevalence of roots and fifths, barring all strings at any fret will typically yield a very thick and powerful sound, reminiscent of a power chord. The unique string relationships encourage exploration of open-string drones and modal melodies, making it an excellent tuning for modern rock, metal, ambient, and experimental music.

How to Tune Your Guitar

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Due to the extreme downtuning of most strings, we strongly advise using a heavier gauge string set to maintain proper string tension, intonation, and tone, and to prevent potential damage to lighter gauge strings.

• 6th String: Tune from standard E2 down to C2. This is a movement of 4 semitones down. (Movement: -4 semitones. Consider a heavier gauge string.)
• 5th String: Tune from standard A2 down to D2. This is a movement of 7 semitones down. (Movement: -7 semitones. Heavily downtuned, a heavier gauge string is advised.)
• 4th String: Tune from standard D3 down to F2. This is a movement of 9 semitones down. (Movement: -9 semitones. Heavily downtuned, a heavier gauge string is advised.)
• 3rd String: Tune from standard G3 down to G2. This is a movement of 12 semitones down (a full octave). (Movement: -12 semitones. Heavily downtuned, a heavier gauge string is advised.)
• 2nd String: Tune from standard B3 down to C3. This is a movement of 11 semitones down. (Movement: -11 semitones. Heavily downtuned, a heavier gauge string is advised.)
• 1st String: Tune from standard E4 down to G3. This is a movement of 9 semitones down. (Movement: -9 semitones. Heavily downtuned, a heavier gauge string is advised.)