Tuning Overview: C F# C F B F

This is a highly distinctive and rather adventurous tuning for the Guitar, moving significantly away from standard EADGBe. It immediately suggests an exploratory approach to playing, favoring unique sonic landscapes over conventional chord shapes. The name "C F# C F B F" perfectly reflects the open string notes, highlighting its unconventional nature.

Verbal Analysis

At first glance, the "C F# C F B F" tuning presents a rich, yet dissonant, sonic palette. The prominent F# note, particularly against the foundational C notes and the F notes, creates a strong, almost unsettling tension. This isn't a tuning designed for easy, open major or minor chords, but rather for generating specific moods, arpeggiated figures, or experimental soundscapes. The repeated C's (C2 and C3) and F's (F3 and F4) across different octaves provide a sense of rootedness and resonance, but the F# acts as a disruptive, intriguing element. It's a tuning that invites exploration of microtonal melodies, drones with a 'twist,' or music that leans into a Lydian dominant or even an altered scale feel. Players might find it particularly useful for ambient, avant-garde, or heavy genres where unique textures are desired.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are C2 - F#3 - C3 - F3 - B3 - F4. Analyzing the intervals from the lowest C (C2):

• String 6 (C2): Root
• String 5 (F#3): Augmented 4th (Tritone) above C. This is the most striking and defining interval of the tuning, creating significant tension.
• String 4 (C3): Octave above C2. Provides a strong harmonic anchor.
• String 3 (F3): Perfect 4th above C.
• String 2 (B3): Major 7th above C.
• String 1 (F4): Perfect 4th above C, two octaves up from the root, or an octave above F3.

Chord Implications and Reach: While a standard open chord is elusive, the tuning's unique structure opens doors to fresh voicings.

• The strong C and F root/fourth relationship suggests drone capabilities, especially on strings 6, 4, 3, and 1.
• The F# introduces a Lydian or altered dominant flavor. Sliding from F# to G or G# could create interesting melodic tension and release.
• Power chords (C5, F5) are readily available by muting the F# string or using two-string combinations.
• Players might find interesting arpeggio patterns across the strings, emphasizing the tritone and major 7th intervals for a modern, dissonant sound.
• Experimentation with partial chords, using only 2-3 strings, will likely yield the most rewarding results, rather than attempting full 6-string voicings with traditional shapes.

How to Tune

To achieve the "C F# C F B F" tuning from standard E A D G B E, follow these string adjustments. Please note the advice on string gauge for significant changes.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. This is a significant drop and will result in a looser feel. While within the general safety threshold (not exceeding -4), a heavier gauge string is often advised for optimal tension and tone stability when dropping this low.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3. This is a moderate drop, keeping string tension comfortable.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3. A minor adjustment, easily achieved.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3. A minor adjustment, easily achieved.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 1 semitone to F4. This is a slight increase, well within safe limits.

Always tune carefully and check your instrument's intonation after making significant tuning changes.

String 6 (Low E): Tuned to C2 (an octave below middle C).
String 5 (A): Tuned to F#3.
String 4 (D): Tuned to C3 (the same C as middle C).
String 3 (G): Tuned to F3.
String 2 (B): Tuned to B3.
String 1 (High E): Tuned to F4.