Description

Verbal Analysis

The 'Csus2,4/Fsus2' tuning is a captivating and highly resonant open tuning designed to unlock rich harmonic possibilities, particularly for strong 1-4-5 progressions. As the provided description suggests, it works exceptionally well by utilizing the 6th string for the '1' (C) and the 5th string for the '4' (F). This makes resolving to the '5' (G) highly intuitive, often achievable by fretting the 6th string at the 7th fret, the 5th string at the 5th fret, or simply utilizing the open 2nd string (G3).

The open strings ring out as C-F-C-D-G-C, creating a full and vibrant Cadd9sus4 chord (C, D, F, G). This provides a beautifully suspended and open sound, perfect for atmospheric textures, folk, rock, and slide guitar. The strong presence of C and F in the lower register creates a powerful drone, while the D and G add a shimmering, harmonically rich upper extension. Fingerstyle players will find this tuning offers wide voicings and easy access to complex chord shapes with minimal effort. Its suitability for slide playing is enhanced by the multiple C notes across the strings and the overall open chord structure.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the strings to the following notes from lowest to highest: C2-F2-C3-D3-G3-C4. Analysing the intervals between adjacent strings:

• 6th to 5th (C2 to F2): Perfect 4th
• 5th to 4th (F2 to C3): Perfect 4th
• 4th to 3rd (C3 to D3): Major 2nd
• 3rd to 2nd (D3 to G3): Perfect 4th
• 2nd to 1st (G3 to C4): Perfect 4th

The predominant use of Perfect 4ths between strings (4 out of 5 intervals) creates a robust, powerful, and harmonically stable foundation. The single Major 2nd interval between the 4th and 3rd strings (C3-D3) introduces a characteristic 'suspended' or 'added 9th' flavour to the overall chord. The collective notes C, D, F, G form a Cadd9sus4 chord, offering a versatile palette for songwriting, with the distinct low F creating a unique tonal landscape.

How to Tune

To achieve this unique and resonant 'Csus2,4/Fsus2' tuning from standard EADGBe, you will be significantly altering the pitch of most strings. Please proceed with caution, especially when tuning down by several semitones. For strings with movements exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), a different string gauge is often advised to maintain optimal tension, tone, and prevent string floppiness or potential breakage.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. This is a substantial drop from its standard E.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 4 semitones to F2. Another considerable pitch reduction from its standard A.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3. This moves the string down a whole step from its standard D.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. Caution: This is a very large drop from its standard G. It is highly recommended to consider using a heavier gauge string for the 3rd string to maintain proper tension and avoid issues with intonation, playability, or string floppiness.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. A considerable drop from its standard B.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. This also involves a considerable pitch adjustment from its standard E.

Open String Notes

• String 6: C2
• String 5: F2
• String 4: C3
• String 3: D3
• String 2: G3
• String 1: C4