Discover the "C Gamba Chordal Drone," a unique and expressive tuning for the Viola de Gamba. As its original creator enthusiastically describes, "I DONT FUCKING KNOW BUT SOME CHORDS SOUND AMAZING," and indeed, this tuning opens up a world of resonant and unconventional harmonic possibilities.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning establishes a powerful low C drone on the thickest string, providing a rich, foundational anchor. The immediate jump to F on the second lowest string creates an intriguing perfect fourth interval, giving the open sound a suspended or modal quality right from the start. The middle strings (D3, G3, B3) form a clear G major triad, which then resolves to a D4 on the highest string, creating a melodic and chordal cluster over the lowest notes. When strummed open, the C F D G B D combination generates a lush, complex sound that isn't a simple major or minor chord, but rather hints at extended harmonies like a Cmaj9sus4 or Cmaj7#11 without a traditional third (E). This makes it ideal for evocative soundscapes, sustained drones, and exploring rich, ambient textures.

Due to its unique structure, several interesting chordal voicings are readily available:

• An open G Major triad (G-B-D) is clearly voiced on strings 3, 2, and 1, providing a bright contrast to the low C and F.
• The low C-F provides a strong perfect fourth, which can be the basis for C suspended chords or Lydian-flavored improvisations.
• With the C as the root, the open strings offer C (root), F (P4), D (M9), G (P5), B (M7), D (M9). This collection strongly suggests a C major 7th chord with added 9th and 4th/11th, yielding a very full and resonant open chord.
• Chords moving off the open strings will require creative fingerings, but the established intervals offer distinct pathways for melodic and harmonic exploration, particularly for sustained notes and arpeggios that highlight the unique interplay of its notes.

Technical Analysis

The tuning presents the following open notes:

• String 6: C2
• String 5: F2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: D4

The interval structure between adjacent strings is as follows:

• String 6 (C2) to String 5 (F2): Perfect 4th (P4)
• String 5 (F2) to String 4 (D3): Major 6th (M6)
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (G3): Perfect 4th (P4)
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (B3): Major 3rd (M3)
• String 2 (B3) to String 1 (D4): Minor 3rd (m3)

This non-standard intervalic relationship, with a mix of perfect 4ths, a major 6th, major 3rd, and minor 3rd, highlights its departure from conventional tunings. The repetition of D on string 4 and string 1, though an octave apart, provides a harmonic anchor and allows for rich overtones. The presence of G-B-D on strings 3, 2, 1 forms a clear G major triad, which can be utilized for melodic phrasing or as a strong chordal basis within the tuning.

How to Tune "C Gamba Chordal Drone"

To achieve the "C Gamba Chordal Drone" tuning, carefully adjust each string according to the following instructions. Please note the significant changes for some strings; a different gauge string may be advisable if the tension feels unsafe or extreme.

• String 6 (Lowest C2): Tune down 4 semitones. (Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant adjustment. If this feels too loose or unstable, consider a heavier gauge string.)
• String 5 (F2): Tune down 4 semitones. (Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant adjustment. If this feels too loose or unstable, consider a heavier gauge string.)
• String 4 (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (Highest D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

String 6: C2

String 5: F2

String 4: D3

String 3: G3

String 2: B3

String 1: D4