This unique tuning, originally named "JJP01", was conceived as a personal exploration building upon Sonic Youth's experimental tunings. As its creator describes: "Using a Sonic Youth tuning as basis, I came up with this one for myself. Lovely tuning that I've been able to screw around with for the last week." We've named it "Sonic C Bloom" to reflect its resonant, open character and its inspiration.

Verbal Analysis

"Sonic C Bloom" presents a rich, open soundscape, immediately evoking a sense of depth and resonance. With two C notes an octave apart and an F providing a suspended fourth, the tuning has a strong, almost drone-like quality. The presence of D, E, and A in the higher strings adds complexity, giving it a bright, expansive feel while maintaining a slight ambiguity due to the lack of a traditional fifth (G). This makes it excellent for ambient textures, experimental rock, and alternative compositions where a departure from standard harmony is desired. It encourages a focus on texture and sustained notes, with open chords ringing out with a unique, full-bodied resonance. The tuning feels both familiar and alien, offering a fresh canvas for sonic exploration, much in the spirit of its Sonic Youth inspiration.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to C2-F2-C3-D3-E3-A3. Analyzing the intervals from the lowest C (C2):

• String 6 (C2): Root
• String 5 (F2): Perfect 4th (P4) above C
• String 4 (C3): Octave (P8) above C
• String 3 (D3): Major 2nd (M2) above C
• String 2 (E3): Major 3rd (M3) above C
• String 1 (A3): Major 6th (M6) above C

This forms a rich open chord based around C, specifically a C(add2,4,6), containing the notes C, D, E, F, A. The absence of the perfect fifth (G) creates a suspended quality, particularly with the prominent F on the 5th string, making the open strings resonate with both consonance and a hint of unresolved tension. The top three strings (D-E-A) form an open A minor triad inversion (A-D-E), which over the C bass adds a C6(add2,4) flavor.

Open chords played across these strings will have a distinct, wide voicing. For instance, simply strumming all open strings yields the complex C(add2,4,6) chord. Barring all strings at the 5th fret would produce an F(add2,4,6) voicing, and at the 7th fret, a G(add2,4,6) chord. This allows for easy transposition of the open chord shape up and down the neck. The tuning particularly lends itself to drone-style playing and arpeggios, where the individual notes can ring out and interact. Simple two or three-finger chord shapes will yield unexpected and harmonically interesting results, encouraging exploration beyond standard chord voicings.

How to Tune to Sonic C Bloom

To achieve the "Sonic C Bloom" tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e), follow these instructions carefully. Please be aware that several strings involve substantial tuning adjustments. If a string requires tuning more than 4 semitones up or down, it is highly recommended to consider using a different gauge string to prevent breakage or excessive tension, and always adjust slowly.

• String 6 (Low E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones. Adjust slowly.
• String 5 (A to F2): Tune down 4 semitones. Adjust slowly.
• String 4 (D to C3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G to D3): Tune down 5 semitones. This is a significant drop; strongly consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.
• String 2 (B to E3): Tune down 7 semitones. This is a very significant drop; strongly consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.
• String 1 (High e to A3): Tune down 7 semitones. This is a very significant drop; strongly consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.

String 6: C2 (lowest C)

String 5: F2

String 4: C3

String 3: D3

String 2: E3

String 1: A3 (highest A)