The CFACGCE tuning is a powerful and harmonically rich 7-string guitar setup, described as a variation stemming from the Facgce 6-string tuning. It establishes a profound C-centric tonality, creating a massive, resonant open sound that is both expansive and melodically intriguing.

Technical Analysis

This tuning features the notes C2-F2-A2-C3-G3-C4-E4 from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st) string. The arrangement of multiple C notes across octaves (C2, C3, C4), alongside the E4 and G3, firmly anchors the tuning in C Major. The inclusion of F2 and A2 enriches the harmonic landscape, offering a complex open voicing that can be interpreted as a C Major chord with added 4th (F) and 6th (A), giving it a Cmaj6add4 or Cmaj6/9 character. This structure provides a full, almost piano-like resonance, excellent for dense chordal work, ambient textures, or heavy riffing.

Open Chords and Voicings

• When strummed open, the CFACGCE tuning produces a lush, extended C Major harmony (C-E-G-A-F), ideal for creating a deep, resonant drone or impactful open chord voicings.
• A clear C Major chord (C-G-C-E) is easily accessible by playing strings 4 through 1 open.
• An F Major triad (F-A-C) can be formed using strings 6, 5, and 4.
• The consistent C major framework means that simple barres across any fret will yield harmonically interesting and full-sounding chords, making it intuitive for rhythm guitarists and those exploring modal playing. This tuning is also highly effective for slide guitar, allowing for expressive glissandos across its resonant C-based intervals.

How to Tune to CFACGCE

To achieve the CFACGCE tuning from a standard 7-string tuning (typically B E A D G B e), follow these steps for each string:

• String 7 (Low B to C2): Tune up 1 semitones. Your B string will become C2.
• String 6 (E to F2): Tune up 1 semitones. Your E string will become F2.
• String 5 (A to A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your A string remains A2.
• String 4 (D to C3): Tune down 2 semitones. Your D string will become C3.
• String 3 (G to G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your G string remains G3.
• String 2 (B to C4): Tune up 1 semitones. Your B string will become C4.
• String 1 (High E to E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your high E string remains E4.

Note: All string movements are within safe limits for standard string gauges (no string moves more than 4 semitones up or down).

String 7: C2

String 6: F2

String 5: A2

String 4: C3

String 3: G3

String 2: C4

String 1: E4