This unique and deeply resonant tuning is famously used by Ben Howard for his track "Small Things." It’s an exceptionally low and wide-ranging tuning that moves significantly away from standard guitar voicings, creating a rich, melancholic, and atmospheric sound palette.

Technically, the tuning is C2-F2-A#3-D#4-G3-C#5. This arrangement features an incredibly deep foundation with the 6th and 5th strings tuned to C2 and F2 respectively, providing a powerful, almost bass-like presence. The intervals between strings are highly unconventional: you'll find large octave jumps between several strings (e.g., F2 to A#3, G3 to C#5) as well as a significant drop from D#4 to G3. These irregular intervals mean that standard chord shapes are largely unusable, instead encouraging a more exploratory and percussive playing style, often utilizing open strings as drones against specific melodic figures.

The open string notes C, F, A# (B♭), D# (E♭), G, and C# (D♭) create a complex sonic cluster. While not forming a traditional open major or minor chord, the presence of C, F, G, B♭, E♭ leans towards a C minor or F minor tonality, establishing a contemplative and slightly dissonant feel. The C# (D♭) on the highest string adds a sharp, haunting tension, creating unique harmonic possibilities when combined with the lower notes. This tuning is perfect for fingerstyle players looking to evoke a dark, introspective mood with expansive sonic textures and unconventional harmonies, making it ideal for creating intricate melodic lines and sustained ambient sounds.

String 6 (Low E): C2

String 5 (A): F2

String 4 (D): A#3

String 3 (G): D#4

String 2 (B): G3

String 1 (High E): C#5

How to Tune:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to reach C2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 4 semitones to reach F2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 4 semitones to reach A#3. Note: If tuning from standard D3, a movement of 'down 4 semitones' would result in A#2, an octave lower than the target A#3. Ensure you are tuning to the correct octave.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 4 semitones to reach D#4. Note: Similar to string 4, tuning down 4 semitones from standard G3 would lead to D#3, an octave lower than the target D#4. Careful attention to the octave is crucial.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones to reach G3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to reach C#5. Note: Tuning down 3 semitones from standard E4 would lead to C4, which is an octave and a semitone below the target C#5. Ensure you are tuning to the correct octave.

Important Note on String Gauges: All strings are tuned down by 3 or 4 semitones. While these movements are generally manageable for standard string gauges, sustained use of such low tunings, especially for the lower strings (C2, F2) might benefit from slightly heavier gauge strings to maintain tension, intonation, and clarity, and to prevent string flop. For strings 4, 3, and 1, where the target note is significantly higher in octave than where a direct 'down' movement from standard would typically lead, it implies either a starting point *other* than standard E, or a more complex re-stringing and tuning process. Always check your instrument's intonation and adjust as needed to accommodate these unique octave relationships.