This is the "Phoenix Rising" tuning, popularized by the renowned guitarist Calum Graham. It's a highly distinctive open tuning for the guitar, moving significantly away from standard EADGBe to unlock a new palette of sounds and harmonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

The tuning sets the open strings to C2-E2-B2-E3-B3-E4. Compared to standard tuning, the lower strings are significantly lowered, creating a very slack and resonant feel. The open notes C, E, and B form a unique cluster. While not a simple open major or minor chord, the upper strings (E-B-E-B-E) clearly outline an E major arpeggio across three octaves. The lowest C note provides a strong root for more complex harmonies, or acts as a leading tone to an E minor or major sound depending on context. This structure lends itself to rich, resonant drone notes and intricate fingerstyle arrangements.

The harmonic possibilities are vast; the open E-B-E-B-E segment immediately provides access to E major and E minor voicings with minimal effort. The low C allows for dark, brooding foundations or bright, suspended sounds when combined with the E and B. Chords like Cadd9 (C-E-G-B-D) or Cmaj7sus2 could be readily implied or formed with slight fretting. The repetitive E and B notes facilitate drone effects and allow for creative melodic movement against static open strings.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Phoenix Rising" tuning, follow these adjustments from standard EADGBe:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. This is a considerable drop; take care to avoid excessive slack.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. This is a very significant drop. For optimal tone, intonation, and to prevent string breakage or excessive floppiness, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string for this particular string.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Please exercise caution when making large tuning adjustments. Drops of 4 or more semitones significantly alter string tension, which can affect your instrument's neck relief and intonation. Consider a professional setup if frequently changing to such low tunings.

String 6: C2

String 5: E2

String 4: B2

String 3: E3

String 2: B3

String 1: E4