Tuning Overview: Open C Major (add4)

This unique and deeply resonant tuning transforms your guitar into an expansive C Major soundscape, with a distinctive twist. Voiced as C-F-C-E-G-C, it presents an open C Major chord that is rich and full, further enhanced by the strategic placement of the F note (the 4th) on the 5th string. This configuration allows for incredibly lush open strumming and ringing arpeggios.

Verbal Analysis

The "Open C Major (add4)" tuning evokes a sense of grandeur and openness. The low C on the 6th string provides a deep, foundational rumble, while the repeated C notes across the tuning create a powerful, resonant drone. The F on the 5th string adds a beautiful complexity, hinting at a suspended quality or an added fourth, which can sound both melancholic and uplifting depending on context. This tuning is excellent for atmospheric soundscapes, powerful open chord work, and exploring melodic lines that leverage the sympathetic resonance of the open strings. Its full and ringing character makes it a strong contender for genres like ambient, folk, and even heavier styles where a rich, open voice is desired, as well as the intricate arpeggios found in Midwest Emo and Mathrock, as suggested by the original tuning concept.

Technical Analysis

From a technical standpoint, the "Open C Major (add4)" tuning is structured as follows:

• String 6: C2 (Root)
• String 5: F2 (Perfect Fourth)
• String 4: C3 (Root, one octave up)
• String 3: E3 (Major Third)
• String 2: G3 (Perfect Fifth)
• String 1: C4 (Root, two octaves up from String 6)

This arrangement means that strumming all open strings yields a C Major chord with an added F (C-E-G with an F). Specifically, it can be viewed as a Cmaj(add4) or even a Cmaj11 (though without a flat 7th). The prevalence of the root (C) across three strings reinforces the stability and power of the C major tonality. The F on the 5th string, combined with the E on the 3rd string, creates a rich harmonic interplay.

Open Chords and Shapes:

• Strumming all open strings: A powerful and resonant C Major (add4).
• Skipping the 5th string (F) and strumming 6, 4, 3, 2, 1: A clean C Major chord.
• Fingering a single fret across all strings (barre chord style): This will produce a corresponding Major (add4) chord up the neck. For example, barring at the 5th fret yields an F Major (add4) chord.
• Due to the open C Major framework, many common major chord shapes can be adapted with fascinating results, often benefiting from the open F and C notes as drones or extensions.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the "Open C Major (add4)" tuning, you will need to adjust each string from standard EADGBe tuning as follows. Please note that several strings require tuning down by 4 semitones. While generally manageable, players concerned about string tension or intonation might consider a slightly heavier gauge string set for optimal performance and tone.

• Low E String (6th): Tune down 4 semitones to C2.
• A String (5th): Tune down 4 semitones to F2.
• D String (4th): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• G String (3rd): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• B String (2nd): Tune down 4 semitones to G3.
• High E String (1st): Tune down 4 semitones to C4.

Always tune carefully and incrementally to avoid putting undue stress on your guitar neck or strings.

String 6: C2 (Low C)

String 5: F2 (F below middle C)

String 4: C3 (Middle C)

String 3: E3 (E above middle C)

String 2: G3 (G above middle C)

String 1: C4 (High C)