This unique and resonant tuning, named "Open Cadd11", is notably featured in the music of This Town Needs Guns, specifically in their tracks "Baboon" and "Lemur". The band achieves further sonic exploration by utilizing two capos: one placed on the third fret across all strings, and another specifically covering the bottom four strings on the fifth fret. This capo arrangement transforms the open tuning into a complex D# G# F C F G# sound, showcasing its versatility and the potential for intricate voicings.

Technical Analysis

The open strings of this tuning are C2-F2-C3-G3-C4-D5#. Analyzing these notes from lowest to highest reveals a rich, somewhat melancholic harmonic landscape. The core of the tuning provides a powerful C minor tonality, consisting of C (root), Eb (D# as minor third), F (perfect fourth/eleventh), and G (perfect fifth). Specifically, we have:

• The 6th string (C2) establishes a deep, foundational root.
• The 5th string (F2) introduces the perfect fourth, or the eleventh, contributing to a rich, suspended quality.
• The 4th string (C3) reinforces the root an octave higher, adding body.
• The 3rd string (G3) provides the perfect fifth, grounding the chord harmonically.
• The 2nd string (C4) further reinforces the root, an octave above the 4th string.
• The 1st string (D5#), interpreted as E-flat, is the minor third relative to C. This gives the tuning its inherently minor character, and contributes to the "Cadd11" name by providing the (minor) third and the 11th. When played open, all strings together form a rich C minor eleventh chord (C-Eb-F-G), albeit without the 7th or 9th, creating unique, open voicings.

The repeated C notes across different octaves create a strong, resonant drone potential, while the perfect fifth interval between the C and G strings offers a familiar and powerful foundation. The presence of the F and D# (Eb) adds harmonic complexity, moving beyond a simple major or minor triad.

Open Chords and Voicings

• Open C minor add11: Striking all open strings together yields a full and resonant C minor add11 (C-Eb-F-G) chord. This provides a melancholic yet full-bodied sound, perfect for introspective or atmospheric passages.
• Drone Potential: The abundant C and G notes make this tuning excellent for droning, allowing melodic lines to be played over a sustained, resonant root-fifth foundation.
• Easy Fifth Shapes: The C-G intervals on various strings mean that power chord-like shapes (root and fifth) are readily available by simply barring across certain frets, or by easily fingering adjacent strings.
• Movable Shapes: Barring all strings at a higher fret will transpose the entire C minor add11 structure. For example, barring at the 5th fret would yield an F minor add11 chord (F-Ab-Bb-C).
• Melodic Focus: The high D# (Eb) string provides a distinctive minor third over the C root, allowing for bluesy or modal lead lines that emphasize the minor quality of the tuning.

How to Tune

• 6th String (Low E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones. This is a significant drop, transforming your low E string into a C2. Caution is advised, and a heavier gauge string might be beneficial if this tuning is frequently used.
• 5th String (A to F2): Tune down 4 semitones. Your A string becomes an F2. Similar to the 6th string, this is a substantial decrease in tension. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and tension.
• 4th String (D to C3): Tune down 2 semitones. Your D string becomes a C3. This is a moderate adjustment.
• 3rd String (G to G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your G string remains G3.
• 2nd String (B to C4): Tune up 1 semitone. Your B string becomes a C4. This is a small adjustment upwards.
• 1st String (High E to D5#): Tune down 1 semitone. Your high E string becomes a D5#. This is a small adjustment downwards.

Important Note on String Gauge: For tunings involving significant changes (like tuning down 4 semitones as on the 5th and 6th strings), it is often recommended to use a different gauge string to maintain optimal tension, intonation, and tone, as well as to prevent string breakage or damage to your guitar.

String 6: C2

String 5: F2

String 4: C3

String 3: G3

String 2: C4

String 1: D5#