About the Open G/C Baritone Tuning

The Open G/C Baritone tuning is a deeply resonant and powerful tuning designed for an impactful rhythmic foundation. As its name suggests, it's a baritone adaptation of classic open G or C tunings, providing a significantly lower range that's ideal for heavy rock, blues, or any genre benefiting from a profound, driving sound. The overall feel is rich and full, making it an excellent choice for rhythm guitarists looking to explore new sonic territories.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to C2-D2-G2-D3-G3-B3 (low to high). This combination creates a rich C major 7th (add9) chord when strummed open, giving it an inherently sophisticated and full sound. The presence of octaves and fifths across the strings (C2-G2, D2-D3, G2-G3) provides a natural resonance and harmonic depth.

Open Chords and Playability

• Open Strum: Produces a full Cmaj7(add9) chord, offering a lush harmonic foundation without any fretting.
• Movable Chords: Barring all strings at any given fret will yield a movable Cmaj7(add9) shape, allowing for easy transposition of this rich chord across the fretboard. For instance, barring at the 2nd fret results in a Dmaj7(add9).
• Power Chords: The deep low notes (C2, D2, G2) are perfect for creating massive power chords. Simple two-finger shapes or partial barres on the lower strings (e.g., 6th and 4th strings) will effortlessly produce weighty root-octave or root-fifth intervals, ideal for driving rhythms and heavy riffs.
• Drone Potential: The low C2 and G2 strings make excellent drone notes, allowing melodies and riffs to be played over a sustained, resonant bass.

This tuning encourages a bold, wide sound, leveraging its extended low range to deliver a formidable sonic presence.

String 6 (Low E): Tuned down to C2 (lowest note).
String 5 (A): Tuned down to D2.
String 4 (D): Tuned down to G2.
String 3 (G): Tuned down to D3.
String 2 (B): Tuned down to G3.
String 1 (High E): Tuned down to B3 (highest note).

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

• String 6 (E): Tune down 4 semitones to reach C2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 7 semitones to reach D2. (*Consider a heavier gauge string for this significant drop.*)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 7 semitones to reach G2. (*Consider a heavier gauge string for this significant drop. Note: The target note G2 is 17 semitones below standard D3, so adjust carefully.*)
• String 3 (G): Tune down 5 semitones to reach D3. (*Consider a heavier gauge string for this significant drop.*)
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones to reach G3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 5 semitones to reach B3. (*Consider a heavier gauge string for this significant drop.*)

Important Note on String Gauge: This tuning involves significant drops in pitch for most strings. For optimal tone, intonation, and to prevent string floppiness or potential damage to your guitar, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set, specifically designed for baritone tunings or lower tunings. Always tune slowly and check your guitar's neck relief.