Tuning Analysis: CFCFC Open Tuning

The user describes this tuning as one they "found... on my acoustic missing a 6th string, love the sound me," which immediately hints at an exploration of unique voicings for a 5-string setup. This particular arrangement, which we've named CFCFC Open Tuning, is a wonderfully resonant and somewhat ambiguous open chord.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning centers around the note C, with an intriguing repetition of the perfect fourth (F). When strummed open, it creates a rich, full C suspended 4 (Csus4) chord. The absence of a major or minor third (E or Eb) gives it an open, airy, and sometimes melancholic quality, often described as 'floating' or 'dreamy.' It's a tuning that lends itself beautifully to drone-based playing, fingerstyle, slide guitar, and rhythmic accompaniment where a strong, open chord feel is desired. The repeated C and F notes across different octaves create a deep, resonant sustain, making it sound much larger than a typical 5-string setup. It could evoke moods ranging from contemplative folk to driving blues or even modern rock textures.

Technical Analysis

The tuning from lowest to highest string is C2-F2-C3-F3-C4. This configuration reveals a consistent pattern of intervals:

• Between the 5th (C2) and 4th (F2) strings: a Perfect Fourth (P4) – 5 semitones.
• Between the 4th (F2) and 3rd (C3) strings: a Perfect Fifth (P5) – 7 semitones.
• Between the 3rd (C3) and 2nd (F3) strings: a Perfect Fourth (P4) – 5 semitones.
• Between the 2nd (F3) and 1st (C4) strings: a Perfect Fifth (P5) – 7 semitones.

This P4-P5-P4-P5 interval structure is highly symmetrical and allows for easy chordal manipulation. The open strings form a Csus4 chord (C-F-C-F-C). This makes barre chords exceptionally straightforward; simply barring all five strings at any fret will yield a suspended 4th chord corresponding to that fret's root note (e.g., barring at the 5th fret gives Fsus4). While a full major or minor chord is not available with a single barre, adding just one or two fingers can quickly transform the suspended quality. For instance, fretting the 2nd string (F3) at the 2nd fret (G3) would create a C power chord (C-F-C-G-C) across the strings.

Chords Within Reach

• Open Chords: Strumming all strings yields a powerful Csus4.
• Barre Chords: Easily create any Xsus4 chord by barring all strings at the desired fret (e.g., 3rd fret for Dsus4, 5th fret for Fsus4).
• Power Chords: The abundant C and F notes facilitate robust power chords. For example, by simply fretting the 2nd string (F3) at the 2nd fret to get G3, you can achieve a C5 power chord (C-F-C-G-C) across the strings.
• Melodic Ideas: The octaves and fourths make for excellent melodic phrasing and open-string drones, particularly effective for slide guitar.

Here are the target notes for each string in this tuning:

• The 5th string is tuned to C2.
• The 4th string is tuned to F2.
• The 3rd string is tuned to C3.
• The 2nd string is tuned to F3.
• The 1st string is tuned to C4.

How to Tune

To achieve the CFCFC Open Tuning from a standard setup (assuming standard EADGB for the 5 strings you are using), follow these steps carefully:

• For the 5th string (targeting C2): Tune down 4 semitones. Caution: Tuning down by 4 semitones is a significant change; for permanent use, a heavier gauge string is advised to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• For the 4th string (targeting F2): Tune down 4 semitones. Caution: Tuning down by 4 semitones is a significant change; for permanent use, a heavier gauge string is advised to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• For the 3rd string (targeting C3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• For the 2nd string (targeting F3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• For the 1st string (targeting C4): Tune up 1 semitone.