CFGCGCF Guitar Tuner

CFGCGCF CFGCGCF - Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - CFGCGCF

7 string tuning. The open notes C F G together belong to 5 separate keys. Open strum is bright and balanced, able to support the keys Ab Eb Bb F C. Each one just another step clockwise up the circle of fifths from the last. Very useful for tapping, repeated notes only a string or 2 apart on the same fret make parallel octave sliding very simple. Since the open position gives you access to so many different keys at once, it is possible to have open chord tuning for all 12 keys at 2nd fret capo minimum. I recommend learning the scale grids and chord shapes for the core Ab through C key positions. Then just add a capo to access more keys with the same shapes. Here is a little capo guide for all 12 keys available with open tuning with 3rd fret keys as a bonus (you can capo higher of course):

Fret/Capo
0 = Ab Eb Bb F C
1 = A E B Gb Db
2 = Bb F C G D
3 = B Gb Db Ab Eb

The "Open C-F-G 7-String Resonance" tuning transforms your 7-string guitar into a powerful sonic canvas, offering a bright, balanced, and highly versatile sound. This tuning is designed to unlock a wide range of harmonic possibilities, making it exceptionally useful for genres requiring rich open chords, intricate tapping patterns, and fluid melodic lines.

Technical Analysis: Open Notes and Intervals

The open strings are tuned to a unique combination of C, F, and G notes across multiple octaves, providing a deep and resonant sonic palette:

7th String: C2 (Low C)
6th String: F2
5th String: G2
4th String: C3
3rd String: G3
2nd String: C4
1st String: F4 (High F)

Analyzing the intervals between adjacent strings reveals a distinctive structure heavily featuring perfect fourths:

C2 to F2: Perfect 4th
F2 to G2: Major 2nd
G2 to C3: Perfect 4th
C3 to G3: Perfect 5th
G3 to C4: Perfect 4th
C4 to F4: Perfect 4th

The prevalence of Perfect 4ths creates a powerful and resonant foundation, making it easy to form strong power chords and complex voicings. The strategic placement of G notes (5th and 3rd strings) and C notes across octaves provides a robust harmonic base, while the F notes add a rich, suspended quality, contributing to the tuning's bright and balanced character.

Chords and Harmonic Possibilities

An open strum across all seven strings yields a rich, full sound containing C, F, and G. This can be interpreted as a C suspended 4th chord with an added G, or a very open Fmaj7sus2 voicing over a C root. The combination of open notes C, F, and G is fundamental to several keys, and this tuning is noted for its ability to support a wide range of keys, including Ab, Eb, Bb, F, and C, by essentially stepping clockwise up the circle of fifths. This inherent versatility makes the tuning incredibly adaptable for various songwriting and improvisational contexts.

The consistent perfect 4th intervals between many strings greatly enhance playability for techniques like parallel octave sliding and tapping. Simple barre chords across the fretboard will instantly yield rich, complex voicings. For instance, barring the 2nd fret will produce the notes D, G, A, D, A, D, G – forming a powerful D suspended 4th chord.

This tuning is also highly conducive to capo usage, extending its harmonic reach to all 12 keys with ease. Below is a quick guide to the supported keys at different capo positions:

Fret/Capo 0: Ab, Eb, Bb, F, C
Fret/Capo 1: A, E, B, Gb, Db
Fret/Capo 2: Bb, F, C, G, D
Fret/Capo 3: B, Gb, Db, Ab, Eb

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "Open C-F-G 7-String Resonance" tuning from a standard 7-string tuning (B E A D G B E), follow these precise string movements. Please note that none of the required semitone movements in this specific tuning exceed a range where a different string gauge would typically be advised for standard playability and string tension.