Tuning Analysis: CEGDEB

The "CEGDEB" tuning is a deeply resonant and unique open tuning for the guitar, characterized by its low fundamental C note. As described, it's a version of FACGAE "tuned down a perfect fourth to match a lower singing voice register". This means each string of a FACGAE tuning is lowered by a perfect fourth, placing CEGDEB in a rich, dark, and often bluesy or folk-rock territory, offering a deeper sonic landscape.

Verbal Analysis:

This tuning immediately establishes a powerful C Major chord on the lowest three strings (C-E-G), giving it a strong harmonic foundation. The overall sound is full and thick, making it excellent for drone-based music, open strumming, and fingerstyle where a rich, bassy sound is desired. The presence of D and B notes higher up adds extensions to the C major triad, hinting at Cmaj7(add9) or Cmaj13 voicings without needing complex fretting. This makes it particularly accessible for creating lush, sophisticated harmonies with minimal effort. Open chords such as C Major are highly resonant, and G Major (G-B-D using strings 4, 1, 3 respectively) or even D minor (D-F-A, with D on string 3 as root) can be explored with relative ease. The significant drop in tension from standard tuning will give the strings a slinkier feel, lending itself to expressive bends and vibrato, though heavier gauge strings are highly recommended to prevent excessive floppiness and maintain intonation.

Technical Analysis:

• Open Notes: C2 - E2 - G2 - D3 - E3 - B3 (from Low E to High E string).
• Intervals (from low to high adjacent string):
  • 6th (C2) to 5th (E2): Major Third (+4 semitones)
  • 5th (E2) to 4th (G2): Minor Third (+3 semitones)
  • 4th (G2) to 3rd (D3): Perfect Fifth (+7 semitones)
  • 3rd (D3) to 2nd (E3): Major Second (+2 semitones)
  • 2nd (E3) to 1st (B3): Perfect Fifth (+7 semitones)
• Harmonic Structure: The lowest three strings (C-E-G) form a clear C Major triad. When all open strings are strummed, the tuning resonates with a Cmaj13(no 11th) chord (C-E-G-D-E-B), providing a rich, extended harmonic palette suitable for complex, open voicings.
• String Tension: This tuning involves a substantial drop in pitch across all strings compared to standard EADGBe tuning. The 6th string drops 4 semitones, while the remaining five strings drop by 5 to 7 semitones. This will significantly reduce string tension. For optimal playability, intonation, and a clear tone, a heavier gauge set of strings is highly recommended to compensate for the resulting slackness and prevent fret buzz.

How to Tune:

To achieve the CEGDEB tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps. Please note the significant drops in pitch.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. Proceed with care, as this is a considerable drop.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 7 semitones to G2. This is a very substantial drop; a heavier gauge string is highly recommended.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 7 semitones to E3. This is a very substantial drop; a heavier gauge string is highly recommended.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal performance.

Recommendation: Given the extreme drops (especially -5 to -7 semitones), standard string gauges will likely result in very low tension, poor intonation, and a "floppy" feel. Investing in a heavier gauge string set will significantly improve the playability and sonic quality of this tuning.