Tuning Overview: Whole Tone C Tuning

As described by its creator, this 'Whole Tone C Tuning' was conceived during experimentation with the whole-tone scale, aiming to introduce a unique and often dissonant texture for background elements in compositions. This tuning deviates significantly from standard guitar tuning, creating a soundscape that is both intriguing and challenging, perfect for avant-garde, jazz, or experimental music where traditional harmonic structures are less desired.

Technical Analysis:

• The open string notes are: C2 - F#3 - C3 - E3 - G#4 - C4 (from low E to high E string).
• Observing the unique notes present (C, E, F#, G#), they perfectly align with a C whole-tone scale (C, D, E, F#, G#, A#). This confirms the tuning's intended harmonic character.
• The tuning features three C notes across different octaves (C2, C3, C4), providing a strong tonal center, albeit within a whole-tone context.
• The intervals between strings are non-standard, creating wide and sometimes jarring steps:
  • String 6 (C2) to String 5 (F#3): An augmented 4th (tritone) plus an octave (18 semitones).
  • String 5 (F#3) to String 4 (C3): A descending augmented 4th (tritone) (6 semitones down).
  • String 4 (C3) to String 3 (E3): A Major 3rd (4 semitones up).
  • String 3 (E3) to String 2 (G#4): An octave plus a Major 3rd (15 semitones up).
  • String 2 (G#4) to String 1 (C4): A descending augmented 4th (tritone) (6 semitones down).

Open Chords & Harmonic Potential:

• Strumming all open strings yields a highly resonant and dissonant C Whole-Tone Cluster (C-E-F#-G#). This is not a conventional chord but a rich, suspended sonority characteristic of whole-tone harmony.
• A prominent C Augmented Triad (C-E-G#) is readily available on the open strings 4, 3, and 2 (C3-E3-G#4). This provides a foundational chord for exploration within this tuning.
• Due to the whole-tone nature, traditional major and minor triads will be challenging to form cleanly across the open strings. However, the tuning lends itself well to creating melodic lines and arpeggios that emphasize augmented intervals and whole steps.
• The prevalence of the C note (C2, C3, C4) suggests a strong root, allowing for melodic and harmonic excursions that resolve or relate back to C, but always within the whole-tone scale's unique sonic palette.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Whole Tone C Tuning

To achieve a Whole Tone C Tuning (C2 - G2 - C3 - E3 - G3 - C4 based on these movements), you will adjust each string from standard EADGBe tuning according to the following instructions. Please proceed with care, especially when tuning strings significantly up or down. For movements of 4 or more semitones, considering a different gauge string is advisable to maintain string integrity and optimal tension.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 3 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G3 to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 3 semitones from B3 to G3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones from E4 to C4.