This unique tuning, which we've named "C-F Deep Drop with Standard Top", offers a compelling blend of deep, resonant low-end power and familiar melodic range. It's a fascinating hybrid that dramatically alters the lowest two strings while preserving the standard intervals of the higher four.

Verbal Analysis

Imagine a tuning that can deliver bone-rattling low notes for heavy riffs or atmospheric drones, while still allowing for intricate melodies and recognizable chord shapes on the higher strings. That's the essence of the C-F Deep Drop. The dramatic lowering of the 6th string to C and the 5th string to F creates a very wide, open interval at the bottom, lending itself to a darker, more expansive sound. This provides a strong foundation for percussive, rhythmic playing or for creating sparse, haunting soundscapes. Meanwhile, the top four strings (D G B E) remain in standard configuration, making it easier for players to transition into lead work or higher voicings without completely relearning their fretboard.

This tuning encourages experimentation, pushing players to think differently about their lowest notes while offering a comfort zone in the treble range. It's perfect for genres like metal, progressive rock, ambient music, or any style where a heavy, custom low end is desired without sacrificing the familiarity of standard higher string intervals.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the guitar's open strings to C2-F2-D3-G3-B3-E4 (from thickest to thinnest).

• Compared to standard E Standard tuning (E A D G B E):
• 6th String (Low E) is dropped by 4 semitones to C2.
• 5th String (A) is dropped by 4 semitones to F2.
• The 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings remain at their standard pitches: D3, G3, B3, E4.
• Open String Intervals (from lowest to highest):
• C2 to F2: Perfect 4th (P4)
• F2 to D3: Major 6th (M6) - A very wide interval that creates a distinct sonic character.
• D3 to G3: Perfect 4th (P4)
• G3 to B3: Major 3rd (M3)
• B3 to E4: Perfect 4th (P4)
• Open Chords & Voicings:
• Strumming all six open strings (C F D G B E) creates a complex, somewhat dissonant cluster. It's not a common major or minor triad, offering a unique, open sound that leans towards a C-centric tonality with extensions.
• The top four open strings (D G B E) surprisingly form an open Dsus4 chord, providing a familiar harmonic foundation for higher voicings or melodic work.
• The C and F on the lowest strings create a powerful interval for drone notes or heavy two-note riffs. For instance, playing an open 6th string (C) and fretting the 5th string at the 5th fret (G) yields a clear C5 power chord. Alternatively, playing the open 5th string (F) and fretting the 6th string at the 8th fret (C) yields an F5 power chord.
• Many standard chord shapes on the top four strings (like G, C, D, Em) will remain accessible and familiar, but their harmonic context will be profoundly altered by the low C and F, opening up new sonic possibilities.

The significant drops on the lowest strings mean that a heavier gauge string set is highly recommended for optimal tension and tone, especially for the 6th and 5th strings.

Open String Notes

Here are the notes for each string in this tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st):

• 6th String: C2
• 5th String: F2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: E4

How to Tune

To achieve the "C-F Deep Drop with Standard Top" tuning from standard E A D G B E, follow these instructions for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop, a different gauge string is advised for optimal performance and tension.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 4 semitones to F2. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop, a different gauge string is advised for optimal performance and tension.)
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains G3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains E4.