Open G major with added low C - A 7-String Drone Tuning

This unique tuning for a Guitar introduces a powerful, resonant character by extending the classic Open G Major tuning with an additional low C string. While retaining the familiar sparkle and harmonic richness of Open G, the added low C (string 7) transforms the sound, providing a deep, grounding drone or bass foundation.

Verbal Analysis

Imagine the bright, open sound of traditional Open G, now anchored by a profound, rumbling C in the lowest register. This tuning is perfect for creating expansive soundscapes, folk music with a darker edge, or even heavier genres where a strong, consistent low-end is desired. The low C effectively turns the open G major chord into a G major over a C bass, opening up new harmonic possibilities for songwriters and improvisers. As noted in the tuning's description, the low C provides "a drone/base for a 5th fret bar", hinting at easy access to a C major chord across the higher strings when barring at the 5th fret, reinforcing the versatility of this tuning.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned as follows, from lowest (String 7) to highest (String 1):

• String 7: C2
• String 6: D2
• String 5: G2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: D4

This arrangement results in an open chord of G major (G-B-D) with multiple octaves, but critically, it's underpinned by the C2 and D2 on the lowest two strings. Technically, this creates a G major chord with a C in the bass, often referred to as G/C, or a Cmaj7sus2 absent the E. The core G-D-G-B-D structure is preserved from standard Open G on strings 5 through 1, making familiar melodic and harmonic patterns easily transferable within that range.

Open Chord and Accessible Shapes:

The open strings themselves form a rich, resonant G major triad with a strong C drone. This means you can strum all open strings for an immediate, full-bodied sound.

• Open Chord: A G major chord over a C bass (G/C or Cmaj7sus2).
• Barre Chords: Barring all strings from String 5 (G2) upwards at any fret will yield a major chord shape. For instance, a barre at the 5th fret across strings 5-1 will produce a C major chord (C-G-C-E-G), which harmonizes perfectly with the low C string (String 7) and D string (String 6), creating a powerful C major rooted sound. Barring all seven strings will result in a major chord (e.g., 1st fret barre gives G#/C#, 2nd fret gives A/D, etc.), but the harmonic relationship with the lowest C string should be considered for melodic and chordal context.
• Drone Potential: The low C string (C2) serves as an excellent drone note, especially effective when playing melodies or riffs over the higher G major-derived strings.
• Octave Shapes: The G-D-G structure on strings 5, 4, 3 allows for easy octave playing and power chord shapes within that range.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Open G major with added low C" tuning for your 7-string Guitar, follow these specific adjustments for each string:

• String 7 (lowest): Tune up 1 semitone to C2.
• String 6: Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5: Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) for D3.
• String 3: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) for G3.
• String 2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) for B3.
• String 1 (highest): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Note: All string movements for this tuning are within safe limits for standard string gauges (below 4 semitones up or down).

The open strings for this tuning are:

• String 7: C2
• String 6: D2
• String 5: G2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: D4