Description: Black Flies - Ben Howard Tuning

This unique tuning, known as the "Black Flies - Ben Howard Tuning," is custom-tailored to achieve the distinctive, resonant sound often heard in Ben Howard's music. It transforms the guitar into a deeply atmospheric instrument, ideal for intricate fingerstyle work and creating rich, sustained drones. The significant lowering of most strings results in a profound, almost melancholic, yet expansive soundscape that encourages exploration beyond conventional chord shapes.

Technical Analysis:

• The open strings are tuned to C2 - F2 - C3 - G3 - G3 - C4 (low to high).
• This configuration presents a variation of an Open C tuning. Specifically, it can be identified as a Cadd11 (C-F-C-G-G-C), with the low F on the 5th string providing the 11th (or 4th from C) and the doubled G on the 3rd and 2nd strings reinforcing the perfect 5th. This gives the open tuning a lush, full, and slightly suspended quality, rich with harmonic overtones.
• Open Chord Voicing: Strumming all open strings yields a powerful C suspended 4th or Cadd11 chord, establishing an immediate, resonant base that is perfect for drone work and expressive melodic lines.
• Reachable Chords: Due to the open C and G notes, many common chord shapes will be transformed. However, simple two-finger or partial barre shapes can easily create unique voicings of C, G, and F-related chords. The low C and F offer a robust bass foundation, while the upper strings provide ample room for melodic improvisation. The repeated G allows for interesting harmonic shifts without losing the fundamental C tonality.

How to Tune:

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard EADGBe, with most strings being lowered substantially. Please tune carefully and gradually. For optimal playability, tone, and string tension, especially for the strings tuned down by 4 semitones, considering a slightly heavier gauge string set is highly recommended if this becomes a primary tuning.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to reach C2. (Original E2, Tune down 4 semitones). This is a substantial drop; heavier gauge strings may be advised.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 4 semitones to reach F2. (Original A2, Tune down 4 semitones). This is a substantial drop; heavier gauge strings may be advised.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to reach C3. (Original D3, Tune down 2 semitones).
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at G3. (Original G3, Keep as is).
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones to reach G3. (Original B3, Tune down 4 semitones). This is a substantial drop; heavier gauge strings may be advised.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to reach C4. (Original E4, Tune down 4 semitones). This is a substantial drop; heavier gauge strings may be advised.

The guitar is tuned as follows (from lowest to highest string):

• String 6 (Low E): C2
• String 5 (A): F2
• String 4 (D): C3
• String 3 (G): G3
• String 2 (B): G3
• String 1 (High E): C4