Tuning Analysis: CEBEGBE

The CEBEGBE tuning for a 7-string guitar offers a rich, resonant soundscape, expanding on the familiar EBEGBE tuning by adding a deep, resonant low C. This creates a compelling open chord that invites exploration into unique harmonic territories.

Verbal Analysis

As described by its creator, this tuning builds upon an existing EBEGBE framework, ingeniously adding a low C string to create a powerful 7-string variant. This strategic addition fundamentally shifts the harmonic landscape, transforming what might have been an E-centric tuning into one rooted in C. The result is a captivating, almost cinematic quality, largely due to the open C Major 7th chord (C-E-G-B) formed across its strings. The presence of repeated E and B notes, along with the G, gives it a natural sustain and a drone-like characteristic. It feels expansive and full, allowing for lush arpeggios and resonant strumming. The low C provides a solid foundation, deepening the overall tonal palette and giving a powerful root to the inherent C Major 7th harmony. It's particularly well-suited for ambient, fingerstyle, or rock genres where a full, ringing sound is desired.

With all strings played open, you immediately get a glorious C Major 7th chord (C-E-G-B). This makes it very easy to compose in C Major, with easy access to its dominant and relative minor chords by simple fretting. For example, a partial E minor triad (E-G-B) is also readily available across the higher strings, making it versatile for shifting between major and minor tonalities. The proximity of the E and B notes also means that E-based chords will have a strong, ringing character, even within the C Major context.

Technical Analysis

This 7-string tuning sets the open strings to the notes C2 - E2 - B2 - E3 - G3 - B3 - E4 from lowest to highest. Compared to standard 7-string tuning (typically B-E-A-D-G-B-E), this tuning significantly alters the lower strings while maintaining some higher string commonalities. The intervals between strings are:

• 7th to 6th String (C2 to E2): Major Third (4 semitones)
• 6th to 5th String (E2 to B2): Perfect Fifth (7 semitones)
• 5th to 4th String (B2 to E3): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• 4th to 3rd String (E3 to G3): Minor Third (3 semitones)
• 3rd to 2nd String (G3 to B3): Major Third (4 semitones)
• 2nd to 1st String (B3 to E4): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)

The open strings collectively form a C Major 7th chord (C-E-G-B), with the E and B notes repeated for added fullness. This structure inherently provides a resonant harmonic base for C major tonalities and related modes. The range of the tuning spans from a deep C2 to a bright E4, offering a broad spectrum for melodic and harmonic exploration.

How to Tune to CEBEGBE

To achieve the CEBEGBE tuning on your 7-string guitar, follow these instructions for each string. The movements are relative to an assumed starting point that results in the specified target note.

For reference, strings are numbered from 7 (lowest pitch, thickest string) to 1 (highest pitch, thinnest string).

7th String (Lowest) - Target: C2: Tune up 1 semitone.
6th String - Target: E2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
5th String - Target: B2: Tune up 2 semitones.
4th String - Target: E3: Tune up 2 semitones.
3rd String - Target: G3: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
2nd String - Target: B3: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
1st String (Highest) - Target: E4: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Please note: All tuning adjustments in this configuration are relatively minor (2 semitones or less upwards), so standard string gauges should be sufficient. Always tune carefully and check intonation after making changes.