The CEDGBD tuning for Guitar is a unique and deeply altered tuning, thoughtfully designed by its creator to replicate specific intervallic relationships found in standard tuning onto the lower strings. This results in a rich harmonic landscape and opens up new sonic possibilities for the adventurous guitarist.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, CEDGBD aims to provide a familiar yet expanded feel. The most striking feature is the mirroring of the standard G-B Major third interval (4 semitones) on the lowest two strings, C2 and E2. This gives the bass end a powerful, resonant Major third, perfect for open chord voicings or riffing with a strong harmonic foundation. Strumming the open strings (C E D G B D) reveals a complex, beautiful C Major 9 chord (C-D-E-G-B), with the redundant D on the 4th string providing extra depth. The upper strings (D-G-B-D) themselves form a clear G Major chord, making it easy to play G-based harmonies or leads. This blend of C and G tonalities allows for a diverse range of musical expression, leaning into both C Major and G Major keys with ease. Players might find themselves gravitating towards blues, folk, or even jazz-fusion styles due to the open intervals and extended harmonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

This tuning transforms the standard EADGBe into a C2-E2-D3-G3-B3-D4 configuration. Let's break down the intervals between the open strings:

• String 6 (C2) to String 5 (E2): Major Third (4 semitones)
• String 5 (E2) to String 4 (D3): Major Seventh (10 semitones)
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (G3): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (B3): Major Third (4 semitones)
• String 2 (B3) to String 1 (D4): Minor Third (3 semitones)

The significant drops on the lower strings (4 and 5 semitones respectively) create a deep, resonant quality, while the unaltered middle strings maintain a familiar reference point for melodic exploration. The higher strings, D-G-B-D, align to form an open G Major chord, offering a readily accessible major tonality in the upper register. The combined open notes C, E, D, G, B, D ultimately spell out a C Major 9 chord, providing a rich, extended harmony without fretting.

How to Tune to CEDGBD

To achieve this unique tuning, you will need to adjust several strings from standard EADGBe. Please follow these precise instructions:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. Please take care when making this adjustment.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 5 semitones from A2 to E2. As this is a significant drop, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from D3 to D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G3 to G3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3 to B3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Always tune carefully and ensure your guitar's intonation is checked after such significant tuning changes.

The open strings for CEDGBD tuning are as follows (from lowest to highest pitch):

• String 6: C2
• String 5: E2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: D4