This unique Guitar tuning, originally referenced as "C F C F C E" and noted for its use in Jack Keyes' track "Die on TV," creates a rich, resonant soundscape. We've named it the Die on TV C F Drone tuning due to its characteristic open string voicings and prominent C and F intervals.

Verbal and Technical Analysis

Technically, this tuning sets the guitar strings to C2 F2 C3 F3 C4 E4. This is a fascinating modification of a standard Open C tuning (typically C G C G C E). By replacing the G notes with F notes on the 5th and 3rd strings, the tuning leans heavily into a C Major tonality while incorporating a strong Perfect 4th (F). Strumming all open strings yields the notes C, F, C, F, C, E. This can be interpreted as a C Major chord (C-E) with repeated C roots and a very prominent, resonant F (a perfect 4th above C, or an 11th if you consider it as an extended chord). This specific voicing creates an ambient, often melancholic or ethereal quality, perfect for drone-like textures and atmospheric soundscapes.

The repetition of C and F across octaves provides a powerful, almost symphonic foundation. The lower strings (C2 F2 C3) offer a deep, bass-heavy drone, while the higher strings (F3 C4 E4) introduce melodic clarity and the major third, grounding the sound in C Major despite the strong F presence.

Open Chords and Possibilities

With the open strings ringing out C-F-C-F-C-E, the tuning offers a C Major flavor with an added 4th. This is not a standard chord form, but a unique voicing that suggests:

• C Major (with an added F): The C and E notes provide the core major triad, while the F adds harmonic richness, creating a suspended-like tension or an open, expansive sound.
• Drone Chords: The multiple C and F notes across octaves are ideal for creating sustained, ringing drone chords. Sliding a finger or a bar across the fretboard will produce powerful, harmonically consistent movable shapes. For example, barring all strings at the 5th fret would yield F-Bb-F-Bb-F-A, essentially an F Major chord with an added 4th/11th.
• Sus4 Voicings: The abundance of F notes lends itself well to Csus4 type chords and melodies, even with the E present. This ambiguity can be exploited for interesting harmonic movements.
• Fingerstyle Exploration: The intervals make it conducive for arpeggiated patterns that highlight the resonant C and F relationships, creating flowing, almost ethereal melodies over a solid drone.

How to Tune

To achieve the Die on TV C F Drone tuning from standard E Standard tuning, follow these specific adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones to C.
• 5th String (A to F2): Tune down 4 semitones to F.
• 4th String (D to C3): Tune down 2 semitones to C.
• 3rd String (G to F3): Tune down 2 semitones to F.
• 2nd String (B to C4): Tune up 1 semitone to C.
• 1st String (High E to E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

All string movements fall within a safe range, so a change in string gauge is not explicitly required based on standard recommendations. However, always exercise care when adjusting string tension and ensure your instrument is properly intonated after retuning.

6th String: Tuned to C2 (the lowest C note on the guitar).
5th String: Tuned to F2.
4th String: Tuned to C3.
3rd String: Tuned to F3.
2nd String: Tuned to C4.
1st String: Tuned to E4 (the highest E note on the guitar).