This unique tuning, known as American Football down 2 1/2 steps, transforms your guitar into a deeply resonant and open soundscape. With all strings tuned significantly down from standard EADGBe, it creates a rich, full-bodied timbre often associated with indie rock and emo genres, particularly reminiscent of bands like American Football, for whom it is named.

Verbal Analysis:

The overall sound of this tuning is remarkably deep and harmonically rich. The low C2 on the 6th string provides a robust foundation, and the open strings form a clear C Major 9th chord (C-E-G-B-D notes across the fretboard). This makes it incredibly easy to strum the open strings for a full, pleasing chord. The wide intervals and low register lend themselves to intricate arpeggiated patterns and ringing chord voicings. The "slack" feel due to the significant detuning (up to a perfect fifth down on some strings) might initially feel unusual but allows for expressive string bends and a distinct, almost ethereal sustain. It's excellent for creating atmospheric textures and melodic lines that stand out in the lower register.

Technical Analysis:

The open notes for this tuning are C2 E2 G2 D3 G3 B3. This configuration forms a C Major 9th chord (C-E-G-B-D). Specifically:

• Strings 6, 5, 4 (C2-E2-G2) form a C Major triad, providing a strong tonal center.
• Strings 3, 2, 1 (D3-G3-B3) contain elements of a G Major triad (G-B) with an added D, which is the 5th of G and the 9th of C.
• The interval structure includes a Major 3rd (C-E), minor 3rd (E-G), Perfect 5th (G-D, an octave up), Perfect 4th (D-G), and Major 3rd (G-B).

This open C Major 9th chord means that simply strumming all open strings yields a full, sophisticated harmony. Accessible chords and voicings are abundant:

• Open Strum: A full C Major 9th chord.
• Movable Major 9th Chords: By fretting a single finger across all six strings at a given fret, you can easily create other Major 9th chords. For example, a barre at the 1st fret yields a Db Major 9th, and a barre at the 2nd fret yields a D Major 9th.
• Power Chords: Easily formed on the lower strings (e.g., C5, E5, G5) by muting or fretting the higher strings, or by using two-finger shapes on strings 6-5 or 5-4.
• Arpeggios: The open tuning provides a rich harmonic bed for arpeggiated melodies, especially showcasing the 9th and Major 7th intervals.

How to Tune:

To achieve this "TGP" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps. Please note that these are significant changes, and a heavier gauge string set is highly recommended to maintain string tension and intonation, especially for movements exceeding 4 semitones in either direction.

• 6th String (Low E, standard E2): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string to maintain tension).
• 5th String (A, standard A2): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. (This is a very significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised).
• 4th String (D, standard D3): Tune down 7 semitones to G2. (This is a massive drop of a perfect fifth; a heavier gauge string is essential for playability and intonation).
• 3rd String (G, standard G3): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. (Another significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised).
• 2nd String (B, standard B3): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. (A notable drop; consider a heavier gauge string to avoid excessive looseness).
• 1st String (High E, standard E4): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. (A very significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised).

6th String (C2): The deepest note, providing the root of the open C Major 9th chord, a full four semitones below standard E2.

5th String (E2): Forms the major third of the C Major 9th chord, creating harmonic richness in the lower register.

4th String (G2): The perfect fifth of the C Major 9th chord, completing the fundamental C major triad.

3rd String (D3): Introduces the 9th (or 2nd) of the C Major 9th chord, adding a contemporary and open sound.

2nd String (G3): An octave higher reiteration of the perfect fifth, reinforcing the harmonic solidity of the tuning.

1st String (B3): The major seventh of the C Major 9th chord, giving the open chord its sophisticated, expansive quality.