Verbal & Technical Analysis: John Martyn's 'Couldn't Love You More' Tuning

This unique tuning for the Guitar, known as the CFCCGD Tuning, is famously associated with the legendary John Martyn, specifically for his track 'Couldn't Love You More'. It departs significantly from standard EADGBe tuning, offering a rich, resonant, and somewhat melancholic sonic landscape.

Technically, the open strings are tuned to C2-F2-C3-C3-G3-D4. This creates an open C suspended 4th chord with an added 9th (C-F-G-D) with a doubled C, giving it a very full and droning quality. The presence of the low C (C2) combined with the F (F2) establishes a strong harmonic foundation. The two unison C3 strings provide a powerful, sustained resonance, characteristic of Martyn's sound. The G3 (a perfect fifth above C) solidifies the harmonic center, while the D4 (a major ninth above C) adds a touch of brightness and complexity, often used to create soaring melodic lines against the drone.

The arrangement of the notes across the fretboard will feel significantly different, opening up new chord voicings and melodic possibilities. Chords that naturally leverage the open C, F, G, and D notes will be readily accessible and sound exceptionally full. Simple fingerings can yield complex harmonies, and the tuning is particularly conducive to creating open, sustained sounds and fingerstyle patterns with a driving, percussive feel. The doubled C3 string can be used for rhythmic accents or to create a chorus-like effect.

How to Tune Your Guitar to CFCCGD:

This tuning involves significant string slackening, so proceed with care. It's recommended to check your intonation after tuning, especially if you're using this for extended periods.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (Warning: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. If you plan to keep this tuning for a long time, consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 4 semitones to F2. (Warning: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. If you plan to keep this tuning for a long time, consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 7 semitones to C3. (Crucial Warning: Tuning down 7 semitones is a very drastic change. This string will be extremely slack. A much heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain playability, intonation, and prevent buzzing. Proceed with extreme caution.)
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. (Warning: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. If you plan to keep this tuning for a long time, consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.)
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.