Tuning Analysis: Andy McKee's Gates of Gnomeria Open C

The 'Gates of Gnomeria Open C' tuning, famously utilized by the virtuoso Andy McKee, transforms the standard guitar into a canvas for expansive, resonant soundscapes. This tuning is a cornerstone for intricate fingerstyle compositions, allowing for rich harmonic textures and the exploration of unique melodic patterns. It evokes a sense of open-ended beauty and invites a fluid, expressive playing style, making complex voicings and percussive techniques readily accessible.

Technical Breakdown: CEFGCE

This tuning sets the open strings to C2-E3-F3-G3-C4-E4 (from low to high). Let's examine its musical structure:

• Root and Major Third Foundation: The lowest two strings (C2 and E3) provide a deep, resonant C Major foundation. This strong fundamental allows for powerful bass lines and a full, rich low end.
• Harmonic Core: The presence of C, E, and G across the strings (C2, E3, G3, C4, E4) inherently forms a C Major triad, ensuring a familiar and pleasing harmonic center.
• Added Tensions: The F3 on the 4th string introduces a Perfect Fourth, creating a suspended quality or hinting at a Lydian-like brightness when played against the C Major harmony. This F, coupled with the G, gives the open tuning a distinctive character, leaning towards a Cmaj(add4, add5) or C6/9-esque voicing without being strictly either.
• Open Voicing Potential: Strumming all open strings produces a grand, resonant C-based harmony. By simply muting the 4th (F) string, you instantly get a pure C Major chord (C-E-G-C-E), which is incredibly powerful for establishing a tonal center. This tuning also lends itself beautifully to open string drones and ringing arpeggios.
• Upper Register Clarity: The upper C4 and E4 strings provide bright, clear notes that can be used for melodic runs, shimmering harmonics, and adding sparkle to chord voicings.

Overall, the CEFGCE tuning is highly versatile for instrumental compositions, offering a rich palette for both chordal textures and melodic explorations, particularly suited for modern fingerstyle guitar.

How to Tune Your Guitar to CEFGCE

Please refer to the following guide to adjust your guitar strings from standard EADGBe tuning. Pay close attention to the semitone movements, especially for larger adjustments, as these may require a change in string gauge for optimal playability and to prevent string breakage.

• 6th String (Low E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones. This will result in a significantly looser string feel compared to standard E.
• 5th String (A to E3): Tune up 7 semitones. CAUTION: This is a very significant upward movement. It is strongly advised to use a lighter gauge string for this position to avoid excessive tension and potential string breakage.
• 4th String (D to F3): Tune up 3 semitones. This is a noticeable upward adjustment. Proceed with care.
• 3rd String (G to G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B to C4): Tune up 1 semitones.
• 1st String (High E to E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

For movements exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), particularly the 5th string's +7 semitones, considering a different string gauge is highly recommended to maintain proper string tension and intonation, and to ensure the longevity of your strings and instrument. Tuning down more than 4 semitones may also make strings feel floppy, impacting tone and playability, potentially requiring a heavier gauge.

String 6: C2 (The lowest note, providing a deep, resonant foundation for the tuning)

String 5: E3 (A major third above the low C, adding harmonic richness and depth)

String 4: F3 (The perfect fourth, creating interesting tension and unique color within the harmony)

String 3: G3 (The perfect fifth, reinforcing the strong C major harmonic core)

String 2: C4 (An octave above the low C, adding clarity, brightness, and ringing sustain)

String 1: E4 (A major third an octave up, completing the open chord with sparkle and chime)